Electrochemical Behavior of AZ Magnesium Alloy Containing Rare Earth Element

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior of a new magnesium alloy (AZ61) containing rare earth elements-cerium (Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Ce alloys) was investigated in 3% NaCl electrolyte using electrochemical methods such as linear sweep voltammetry, Tafel curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the surface morphologies of magnesium and its alloys. The results shows that compared with that of the most commonly used Mg alloy–AZ61, the cerium containing magnesium alloy exhibited higher electrochemical activity, and higher corrosion resistance. The electrochemical activity of Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Ce was higher than that of Mg and Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Ce alloys in 3% NaCl. The corrosion resistive order decreased in the following sequence: Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Ce > Mg-Al-Zn-Mn > Mg. The electrolytes favored anodic magnesium oxidation, but the alloying element of Ce facilitated the formation of dense passive films on alloy surfaces.