Influence of rare earths addition on the corrosion behaviour of Zn-5%Al (Galfan) alloy in neutral aerated sodium sulphate solution

The effect of rare earth metal (Ce, Er, Y) additions on the corrosion behaviour of Zn-5Al Galfan alloy has been investigated. The corrosion resistance of Zn-5Al-1Ce, Zn-5Al-1Er and Zn-5Al-1Y alloys has been assessed by various electrochemical tests, such as corrosion potential measurements, polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. They have been performed in a 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ solution, at approximately neutral pH, without stirring and in contact with the air. For comparison, the electrochemical tests have also been carried out on the Zn-5Al alloy. Moreover, the surface morphology and nature of the corrosion products have been investigated. The results indicated that rare earths’ addition improves the corrosion behaviour of Galfan, the effect being more pronounced for the Er- and Y-containing alloys. The mechanism by which the corrosion resistance of Zn-5Al alloy is enhanced in presence of the rare earths is discussed.