High Entropy Alloys as a New Alternative to Corrosion-Resistant Alloys For Marine Applications

A recent paradigm shift in physical metallurgy has enabled the exploration of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) or high entropy alloys (HEAs) with as-yet-unknown superior properties which have turned attractive to various engineering applications and industry sectors. In particular, the O&G industry, on daily basis, faces technical challenges to overcome the deleterious effects of corrosion processes affecting critical infrastructure such as pipeline networks, refineries, subsea equipment, etc. The purpose of this work is to briefly review some key aspects of this new type of material as an alternative to the existing conventional alloys widely used by the shipbuilding and energy industries including the O&G sector. The review begins with some generalities about the future tendency of the steel-consuming industry and the growing dependency on metallic alloys despite the rising of emerging technologies in the area of manufacturing and smart materials which seek to be substitute goods. Then, a short summary of corrosion processes and some protection methods used by the industry are discussed. Finally, a succinct comparative analysis between HEAs and conventional steel alloys is carried out by highlighting the pros and cons of these latest technological advances in corrosion-resistant alloy development based on the multi-principal element alloy principle.