Corrosion-Resistant Metal Substrate via Nickel-Molybdenum Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrosion-resistant materials for exhaust systems, such as stainless steel, face challenges at high temperatures and in environments with urea decomposition products, leading to corrosion issues, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution that maintains durability and strength.

Innovation Solution

A method involving electroplating a nickel or nickel-based layer on a steel or aluminum substrate, followed by a cobalt layer, and then depositing a molybdenum oxide layer, which is reduced to form a diffusion layer containing nickel, molybdenum, and optionally cobalt, providing a pore-free and effective corrosion protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stainless steel is used for exhaust systems, then corrosion resistance is improved, but cost increases and high temperature performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The corrosion protection system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a nickel or nickel-based intermediate layer providing adhesion and corrosion resistance, and a molybdenum oxide outer layer providing enhanced corrosion protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while using cost-effective materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure with nickel or nickel-based alloy as the base layer and molybdenum oxide as the coating layer. This composite structure combines the advantages of both materials: nickel's ductility and adhesion properties with molybdenum oxide's superior corrosion resistance, achieving protection comparable to or exceeding stainless steel at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stainless steel is used for exhaust systems, then corrosion resistance is improved, but high temperature performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidhigh temperature performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the corrosion protection system by replacing chromium-based stainless steel with a nickel-molybdenum oxide composite system. The molybdenum oxide layer forms a stable protective barrier that maintains integrity at high temperatures up to 800°C, preventing the corrosion issues experienced with conventional stainless steels in high-temperature exhaust environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If electroplating is used instead of hot dipping, then manufacturing precision is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating uniformityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical hot-dipping process with an electrochemical electroplating process. This substitution allows for better control of coating thickness and uniformity through electrical parameter control (current density, plating time), achieving superior manufacturing precision while the standardized electroplating equipment keeps process complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting diffusion layer offers excellent corrosion resistance at high temperatures, extending the lifespan of exhaust system components and maintaining mechanical properties, while being cost-effective and suitable for use in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

a nickel or nickel-based layer on a steel or aluminium substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 2

the plated substrate provided with the molybdenum oxide layer is subjected to an annealing step in a reducing atmosphere to, at least partly, reduce the molybdenum oxide in the molybdenum oxide layer to molybdenum metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

to form, simultaneously or subsequently, in the annealing step a diffusion layer which contains nickel and molybdenum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3400324B1Method for producing a corrosion resistant metal substrate and corrosion resistant metal substrate provided thereby
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 HILLE & MUELLER
  • EP3400324B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3400324B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This invention relates to a method for producing a corrosion resistant metal substrate and corrosion resistant metal substrate provided thereby. The method involves forming a plated substrate comprising of a metal substrate provided with a nickel layer or with a nickel and cobalt layer followed by electrodepositing a molybdenum oxide layer from an aqueous solution onto the plated substrate, which is subsequently subjected to an annealing step in a reducing atmosphere to reduce the molybdenum oxide in the molybdenum oxide layer to molybdenum metal in a reduction annealing step and to form a diffusion layer which contains nickel and molybdenum, and optionally cobalt.