Destruction Mechanism of Z10400 Zn-based Alloy Subjected to Cavitational Erosion

Z10400 zinc-based alloy has a very good casting properties and high resistance to corrosion. These two advantages make that Z10400 zinc-based alloy is commonly used for cathodic protection of hulls of ships. Cathodic anodes made of Z10400 zinc-based alloy in the propeller and flap rudder areas are also additionally exposed to the cavitation erosion. The aim of this work was to determine the cavitation erosion resistance of Z10400 zinc-based alloy, which is applied as protectors in cathodic protection of hulls of ships. The examination of cavitational erosion was carried out on a jet-impact measuring device. Study of the mechanism of the destruction of Z10400 alloy based on analysis was performed with scanning electron microscope Quanta 3d FEG and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) method.