Improved corrosion resistance of AZ91D magnesium alloy by an aluminium-alloyed coating

An aluminum-alloyed coating was applied onto the surface of magnesium alloy AZ91D. The coating formed in aluminium powder at 420 degrees C is rich in the beta (Mg17Al12) phase. Polarisation curve, AC impedance, salt immersion and salt spray were carried out to investigate the corrosion behaviour and assess the corrosion performance of the coated magnesium alloy. It was found that a coated AZ91D specimen was much more corrosion resistant and harder than an uncoated one. The improved corrosion resistance was mainly ascribed to the high volume fraction of beta phase in the coating. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.