Corrosion of hot extrusion AZ91 magnesium alloy: I-relation between the microstructure and corrosion behavior

The effect of hot extrusion on the corrosion behavior of AZ91 magnesiun alloy was investigated by weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The results showed that the extruded alloy had lower corrosion resistance compared to cast alloy. This observation has been explained from point of view of microstructure changes, wherein the increased density of dislocation, twins and grain boundary increased the anodic dissolution of AZ91 alloy and rearrangement of β phase accelerated the rate of both the anodic and cathodic process.     

Influence of anodising current on the corrosion resistance of anodised AZ91D magnesium alloy

The thickness, chemical composition and microstructure of anodised coatings formed on magnesium alloy AZ91D at various anodising current densities were measured. It was found that all these parameters could be affected by anodising current density, and hence the coatings formed at different anodising current densities had different corrosion resistances. This suggests that the corrosion performance of an anodised coating could be improved if a properly designed current waveform is used for anodising. In addition, based on the experimental results, some physical, chemical and electrochemical reactions involved in the anodising process were proposed to explain the anodising behaviour in this paper.     

Improvement of corrosion resistance of AZ91D magnesium alloy by holmium addition

The corrosion behaviour of two Mg–9Al–Ho alloys (Mg–9Al–0.24Ho and Mg–9Al–0.44Ho) was evaluated by general corrosion measurements and electrochemical methods in 3.5% NaCl solution saturated with Mg(OH)₂. The experimental results were compared with that of Mg–9Al alloy without Ho addition. Various corrosion rate tests showed that the addition of Ho obviously enhanced corrosion resistance of Mg–9Al alloy. The microstructure of the three magnesium alloys and the morphology of their corrosion product film were examined by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) and Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS). The alloys with Ho addition showed a microstructure characterized by α phase solid solution, which was surrounded by some β phase and grain-like Ho-containing phase. The improvement of corrosion resistance of the Mg–9Al–Ho alloys could be explained by the fact that the deposited Ho-containing phases were less cathodic. Moreover, the corrosion product films on the Ho-containing alloy surface demonstrated their ability to restrain further corrosion.     

Study of the corrosion inhibition effect of sodium silicate on AZ91D magnesium alloy

The poor corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys is a major impediment to their applications in many fields. In this paper, sodium silicate as a corrosion inhibitor is studied on the inhibition effect of AZ91D magnesium alloy. From the results of the corrosion tests, sodium silicate could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of alloy at the optimum concentration 10 mmol/L, while the pH value range from 10.5 to 12.5 is preferable. The corrosion inhibition mechanism of the protective layers is also discussed. These results can provide a guide for the protection of magnesium alloy in the cooling water systems, etc.     

Effect of alternating voltage treatment on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of stannate conversion coating on AZ91D alloy

A new stannate conversion coating (CC) on AZ91D alloy was synthesized by the application of alternative voltage (AV) treatment technique. By using AV technique, the formation process of CC can be controlled. SEM results indicated that a continuous and compact dual-layer CC was formed on alloy surface after AV treatment. TEM results revealed that the inner layer consists of magnesium–aluminum–stannum nano-crystals and amorphous, meanwhile, the outer layer is primarily a mixture of magnesium–stannum hydroxides and oxides with amorphous structure. The electrochemical experimental results revealed that AV treatment significantly improved the corrosion resistance of CC, which attributed to the distinguishing microstructure of AV-CC.     

Corrosion properties of surface-modified AZ91D magnesium alloy

Samples of AZ91D magnesium alloy were dipped into AlCl₃–NaCl molten salt at different temperatures between 250 °C and 400 °C for 28800 s. The thickness of the alloying layer is increased with the rise of the treatment temperatures. The coating was mainly composed of Al₁₂Mg₁₇ and Al₃Mg₂ intermetallic compounds. The corrosion resistance of the coating which is obtained at 300 °C for 28800 s is the best. When the treatment temperature is higher than 300 °C, some cracks developed in the alloying layers. The cracks were resulted from the thermal stress due to the different thermal expansion coefficient of the AZ91D substrate and the alloying coating during the rapid cooling process.     

Characterization and corrosion studies of ceria thin film based on fluorinated AZ91D magnesium alloy

The CeO₂ thin film was prepared via sol-gel method on fluorinated AZ91D magnesium alloy surfaces. The surface morphology, composition and the corrosion resistance of the film were investigated in details using scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as potentiodynamic polarization tests. It was found that small amount of MgO and MgF₂ were encapsulated in CeO₂ thin film. The electrochemical measurement results demonstrated that the CeO₂ thin film on fluorinated AZ91D magnesium alloy could improve the corrosion resistance approximately by two orders of magnitude compared with that of the bare substrate.     

Effect of magnesium hydride on the corrosion behavior of an AZ91 magnesium alloy in sodium chloride solution

The effect of magnesium hydride on the corrosion behavior of an as-cast AZ91 alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated using gas collection method and potentiostatic test. The Pourbaix diagram of Mg–H₂O system was built using thermodynamic calculation. It was possible that magnesium hydride could form in the whole pH range in theory. The experimental results showed that at cathodic region, magnesium hydride formed on surface, which was the controlling process for the corrosion behavior of AZ91 alloy; at anodic region and free corrosion potential, magnesium hydride model and partially protective film model, monovalent magnesium ion model and particle undermining model were responsible for the corrosion process of AZ91 alloy.     

Effect of plasma electrolytic oxidation coating on the stress corrosion cracking behaviour of wrought AZ61 magnesium alloy

An attempt was made to understand the effect of silicate based plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of an AZ61 wrought magnesium alloy. The SCC behaviour of untreated and PEO coated specimens was assessed using slow strain rate tensile tests at two different nominal strain rates, viz. 1 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹ and 1 × 10⁻⁷ s⁻¹, in ASTM D1384 test solution at ambient conditions. The PEO coating was found to improve the general corrosion resistance to a significant extent; however, the improvement in the resistance to stress corrosion cracking was only marginal.     

Microstructure and corrosion performance of a cold sprayed aluminium coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

A pure Al coating was deposited on AZ91D magnesium alloy through cold spray (CS) technique. The microstructure of the coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the grain interfaces and subgrains formed close to the particle/particle boundaries. Electrochemical tests revealed that the cold sprayed pure Al coating had better pitting corrosion resistance than bulk pure Al with similar purity in neutral 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. In addition, a mass-transfer step was found to be involved in the corrosion during 10 days immersion.     

Effect of excimer laser surface melting on the microstructure and corrosion performance of the die cast AZ91D magnesium alloy

Excimer laser surface melting (LSM) of the die cast AZ91D alloy has been investigated in terms of microstructure and corrosion behaviour. Excimer LSM of the alloy resulted in a highly homogeneous and refined melted microstructure, which improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The latter was associated with the large dissolution of intermetallic phases and the enrichment of aluminium within the melted layer. An increased number of laser pulses resulted in thicker melted layers, but also in enhanced porosity and the formation of micro-cracks at the overlapping area. Both factors diminished the corrosion resistance of the laser-treated alloy.     

Corrosion product formation during NaCl induced atmospheric corrosion of magnesium alloy AZ91D

Magnesium alloy AZ91D was exposed in humid air at 95% relative humidity (RH) with a deposition of 70 μg/cm⁻² NaCl. The corrosion products formed and the surface electrolyte were analysed after different exposure times using ex situ and in situ FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Ion Chromatography. The results show that magnesium carbonates are the main solid corrosion products formed under these conditions. The corrosion products identified were the magnesium carbonates hydromagnesite (Mg₅ (CO₃)₄ (OH)₂4H₂O) and nesquehonite (MgCO₃ 3H₂O). The corrosion attack starts with the formation of magnesite at locations with higher NaCl contents. At 95% RH, a sequence of reactions was observed with the initial formation of magnesite, which transformed into nesquehonite after 2-3 days. Long exposures result in the formation of pits containing brucite (Mg(OH₂)) covered with hydromagnesite crusts. The hydromagnesite crusts restrict the transport of CO₂ and O₂ to the magnesium surface and thereby favour the formation of brucite. Analysis of the surface electrolyte showed that the NaCl applied on the surface at the beginning was essentially preserved during the initial corrosion process. Since the applied salt was not bound in sparingly soluble corrosion products a layer of NaCl electrolyte was present on the surface during the whole exposure. Thus, Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions can participate in the corrosion process during the whole time and the availability of these species will not restrict the atmospheric corrosion of AZ91D under these conditions. It is suggested that the corrosion behaviour of AZ91D is rather controlled by factors related to the microstructure of the alloy and formation of solid carbonate containing corrosion products blocking active corrosion sites on the surface.     

Local and global electrochemical impedances applied to the corrosion behaviour of an AZ91 magnesium alloy

The electrochemical behaviour of an AZ91 magnesium alloy was investigated in a low aggressive medium by means of local and global electrochemical impedance measurements. The results were compared to those obtained on a pure magnesium sample. It was possible to show the individual contribution of each phase constituting the alloy, and it was observed that the corrosion mechanism of the two phases was the same, controlled by the Mg dissolution. However, local impedance diagrams clearly indicated that the kinetics dissolution of the β-phase was slower than that of the α-phase, which was in good agreement with SEM observations.     

Corrosion behaviour of AM60 magnesium alloys containing Ce or La under thin electrolyte layers. Part 2: Corrosion product and characterization

The corrosion behaviour of AM60 containing Ce or La (AMRE1) under thin electrolyte layers (TEL) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated. The composition and structure of corrosion product was analyzed by XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS. The results indicated crystal corrosion products were not affected by TEL and the amorphous ones are Mg(OH)₂ and compounds containing CO₃²⁻ in corroded section and only latter one is present in “unaffected” area. The smart map further confirmed the skeleton structure formed due to RE alloying. Moreover corrosion morphologies of AMRE1 alloys exhibited localized corrosion and pit initiation was inhibited by TEL.     

Formation of micro-arc oxidation coatings on AZ91HP magnesium alloys

In a neutral solution, coating formation by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) on AZ91HP magnesium alloy was studied. The process involved the substrate dissolution and coating development. During the first 5 s, the sample mass decreased, indicating substrate dissolution dominating the process. After 5 s, the sample mass began to increase and the coating development began to predominate the process. The coating was firstly nucleated on α phase and sparks initially appeared mainly on the edges of the sample. With treating proceeded, the coating was becoming uniform; meanwhile, microscopic pores of anodic coatings increased in size and decreased in number.     

Effects of sulfur addition on pitting corrosion and machinability behavior of super duplex stainless steel containing rare earth metals: Part 2

To elucidate the effects of sulfur addition on pitting corrosion and machinability behavior of alloys containing rare earth metals, a potentiostatic polarization test, a critical pitting temperature test, a SEM-EDS analysis of inclusions, and a tool life test were conducted. As sulfur content increased, the resistance to pitting corrosion decreased due to the formation of numerous manganese sulfides deteriorating the corrosion resistance and an increase in the preferential interface areas for the initiation of the pitting corrosion. With an increase in sulfur content, the tool life increased due to the lubricating films of manganese sulfides adhering to tool surface.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of lanthanum conversion coating on Mg–Li alloy and its corrosion resistance

Lanthanum-based conversion coating on Mg–Li alloy has been prepared by a microwave-assisted method. X-ray diffractions (XRD) indicate that the intermetallic compounds of lanthanum are formed on Mg–Li alloy surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the coating has different morphologies and special structures. The corrosion resistance was assessed by means of potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The results indicate that this coating significantly reduces the corrosion rate of Mg–Li alloy in NaCl solution. A comparing experiment indicates that the coating prepared by microwave-assisted process has superior corrosion resistance to the coating obtained at room temperature.     

Corrosion performance of laser-remelted Al-Si coating on magnesium alloy AZ91D

Laser remelting was applied to plasma-sprayed Al-Si coating on magnesium alloy AZ91D to improve corrosion performance. Both salt spray testing and potentiodynamic polarization measurement in 3.5% NaCl solution indicated that laser-remelted Al-Si coating acquired better corrosion resistance than AZ91D and plasma-sprayed Al-Si coating. The decreasing order of the corrosion rates are AZ91D base metal, sprayed Al-Si coating and laser-remelted Al-Si coating. The fine Al-Si eutectic matrix in the laser-remelted microstructure contributed to the improved corrosion performance relative to the AZ91D and the plasma-sprayed coating. The predominant corrosion mechanisms in AZ91D, plasma-sprayed coating and laser-remelted coating are intra-granular corrosion, crevice corrosion and the combined pitting and galvanic corrosion, respectively.     

On the degradation mechanism of corrosion protective poly(ether imide) coatings on magnesium AZ31 alloy

In previous publications of the authors, good performance of poly(ether imide) as corrosion protective coatings for magnesium AZ31 alloy was reported. It was suggested that during the sample degradation magnesium hydroxide could react with the imide ring forming magnesium polyamate and polyamic acid, but this could not be experimentally confirmed. In the present letter, we confirm the occurrence of this reaction by infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and discuss its influence in the corrosion behavior observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests.     

Corrosion behaviour of AM60 magnesium alloys containing Ce or La under thin electrolyte layers. Part 1: Microstructural characterization and electrochemical behaviour

The corrosion behaviour of AM60 containing Ce or La (AMRE1) under thin electrolyte layers (TEL) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated by cathodic polarization and EIS. The results indicated corrosion resistance was enhanced by TEL decrease until 100 μm. There were three kinetic regions in polarization curves of AMRE1, whereas the second region disappeared for AM60. Meanwhile, EIS results showed capacitive loop at LFs for AMRE1 appeared under 200-300 μm thickness. The presence of second regions in polarization curves and capacitive loops at LFs in EIS was attributed to performance of new phases (γ) as indicated in microstructural characterization.