A Novel CuAlMnFe/CeO2 Composite Alloy: Investigating the Wear and Corrosion Features

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are known for their exceptional mechanical properties, particularly their superior wear resistance compared to conventional alloys with similar surface hardness. Rare earth oxides are often used as additives to further improve these characteristics. This study investigates the effects of different CeO2 (cerium dioxide) concentrations (0.01 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, and 1.0 wt.%) on the properties of CuAlMnFe alloys produced via powder metallurgy (PM). Various analyses were performed, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as hardness, wear, and corrosion tests. The increase in wear rate is closely related to the formation of precipitates from CeO2 addition. Improvements in wear resistance and hardness are attributed to the effects of grain refinement and solid solution strengthening due to CeO2. Specifically, the wear rate increased from 1.5 × 10−3 mm3/(Nm) to 3.4 × 10−3 mm3/(Nm) with higher CeO2 content. Additionally, the friction coefficient of the CuAlMnFe alloy was reduced with CeO2 addition, indicating enhanced frictional properties. The optimal CeO2 concentration of 0.5% was found to improve grain uniformity, resulting in better wear resistance. Incorporating CeO2 particles into CuAlMnFe alloy enhances hardness and reduces wear rate when used in appropriate amounts. Additionally, it exhibits superior corrosion resistance, as evidenced by a positive shift in corrosion potential in Tafel measurements in solutions and a decrease in corrosion current density. The C0.5 specimen showed the highest corrosion potential (Ecorr, −588 V) and the lowest corrosion current density (icorr, 6.17 μA/cm2) during electrochemical corrosion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.