Corrosion behavior of Mg-(0~6)%Zn Casting Alloys in 1M NaCl Solution

The effects of the Zn content on the microstructure and corrosion behavior in 1M NaCl solution were investigated in Mg(0~6)%Zn casting alloys. The MgZn phase was scarcely observed in the Mg-1%Zn alloy, while the Mg-(2~6)%Zn alloy consisted of α-(Mg) and MgZn phases. With an increase in the Zn content, the amount of the MgZn phase was gradually increased. Immersion and electrochemical corrosion tests indicated that the Mg-1%Zn alloy had the lowest corrosion rate among the alloys, and a further increase in the Zn content resulted in the deterioration of the corrosion resistance. Microstructural examinations of the corroded surfaces and EIS analyses of surface corrosion films revealed that the best corrosion resistance at 1%Zn was associated with the absence of MgZn phase particles in the microstructure and the contribution of Zn element to the formation of a protective film on the surface. A micro-galvanic effect by the MgZn particles led to the increased rate of corrosion at a higher Zn content.