Study reveals corrosion mechanism in magnesium alloys in marine atmospheric environments

Magnesium alloys are a popular choice due to their high mechanical strength, creep resistance and damping performance, as well as their heat-conducting properties.

However, electrochemical corrosion can be caused by the magnesium element’s activity magnesium alloysEspecially in the marine atmospheric environment.

Recent research by Prof. Hou Borong, from the Institute of Oceanology of China Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), examined the corrosion behavior of MgY-NdZn-Zr magnesium alloys within the South China Sea.

The study was published by Journal of Magnesium and AlloysMay 5,

The researchers examined the corrosion resistance of different alloys by analyzing their weight loss rate and conducting electrochemical measurements in a laboratory. They found that Mg-5Y-1.5Nd-xZn-0.5Zr magnesium alloy exhibited the best corrosion resistance.

The corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloys in the typical marine environment was as followed: Mg-5Y-1.5Nd-6Zn-0.5Zr

To understand the corrosion mechanism, the researchers looked at the microstructure of the alloys. The standard electrode potencial of rare earth elements was less than that of pure magnesium. The micro-anode could be affected if precipitated phases are found in magnesium alloys that contain rare earth elements.

“Some special anodic-precipitated phases showed biaxial synergistic effect and micro-galvanic corrosion acceleration. They also exhibited a corrosion barrier. This could improve the corrosion resistance to magnesium matrix to some degree,” Jiang Quantong, the first author of this study, said.

“Regulating the microstructure, type, and distribution of precipitated phase in magnesium alloys containing precious earth to improve both the quality and the quantity Mechanical strength Corrosive resistanceProf. Hou stated that more research is needed.