Abstract:
To enhance the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) resistance of FeCoNiCrMn high entropy alloy (HEAs), a series of Fe
xCu
(1−x)CoNiCrMn (
x = 1, 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25) HEAs were prepared. Microstructural characteristics, corrosion behavior (morphology observation and electrochemical properties), and antimicrobial performance of Fe
xCu
(1−x)CoNiCrMn HEAs were evaluated in a medium inoculated with typical corrosive microorganism
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim was to identify copper-containing FeCoNiCrMn HEAs that balance corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties. Results revealed that all Fe
xCu
(1−x)CoNiCrMn (
x = 1, 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25) HEAs exhibited an FCC (face centered cubic) phase, with significant grain refinement observed in Fe
0.75Cu
0.25CoNiCrMn HEA. Electrochemical tests indicated that Fe
0.75Cu
0.25CoNiCrMn HEA demonstrated lower corrosion current density (
icorr) and pitting potential (
Epit) compared to other Fe
xCu
(1−x)CoNiCrMn HEAs in
P. aeruginosa-inoculated medium, exhibiting superior resistance to MIC. Anti-microbial tests showed that after 14 d of immersion, Fe
0.75Cu
0.25CoNiCrMn achieved an antibacterial rate of 89.5%, effectively inhibiting the adhesion and biofilm formation of
P. aeruginosa, thereby achieving resistance to MIC.