2012 Volume 53 Issue 2 Pages 362-366
To launch a new class of Mg alloys based on the Mg–Zn system, the effect of microstructural evolution on the corrosion properties in Mg–Ce–Zn system has been investigated. The alloys were fabricated by using a vacuum induction melting method under an argon atmosphere. Potentiodynamic polarization and hydrogen evolution test were carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution of pH 7.2 at room temperature to evaluate the corrosion properties of Mg–Ce–Zn alloys. The main constituents in Mg99Ce0.5Zn0.5, Mg98Ce1.5Zn0.5 and Mg92Ce7.5Zn0.5 alloys are α-Mg and Mg12Ce phase. On the other hand, Mg41Ce5 and Mg3Ce phases are present in Mg88Ce11.5Zn0.5 and Mg86Ce13.5Zn0.5. Although Ce additions on Mg alloy could tend to ennoble the corrosion potential, the corrosion rate was increased with excessive Ce additions.