Corrosion behavior of a newly developed high strength aluminum alloy with high magnesium content under simulated seawater environment

AMg61 (Al‐6.2% Mg), a novel form of high‐strength, high‐magnesium‐content aluminum alloy, has been developed for specific maritime engineering in recent years, while its corrosion behavior in seawater is still unknown. Therefore, the corrosion behavior of AMg61 in the simulated seawater was investigated herein, using a weight‐loss test and different electrochemical measurements. In addition, corrosion morphology and chemical contents were characterized by metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that intergranular corrosion and microcracks developed first in the second phase of AMg61, followed by pitting corrosion. The matrix of AMg61, on the other hand, exhibited a uniform and exfoliation corrosion. The corrosion rate gradually decreased over time.