A Surface Study of the Native Oxide upon a Compositionally Complex Alloy

The native surface oxide upon a single phase low-density compositionally complex alloy (CCA), AlTiVCr, was studied herein—owing to its exceptionally high aqueous corrosion resistance. The nature of the native surface oxide/surface film was elaborated in the context of corrosion resistance, based on results from electrochemical testing, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Selective oxidation and unoxidized metal in the surface film were observed. Such features are comparatively unique and posited to be relevant to CCAs and high entropy alloys more generally