CORROSION OF MAGNESIUM

Magnesium alloys have high strength/weight ratios, but poor corrosion resistance affects the viability of increased magnesium usage in aeros pace and other applications. This review approaches the problem of mag nesium corrosion from the standpoint of corrosion science by discussin g the thermodynamics, kinetics, and microstructural factors controllin g corrosion behaviour. These conditions are then applied to an examina tion of the types of corrosion that Mg alloys undergo: general, galvan ic, pitting, crevice, intergranular, stress corrosion, corrosion fatig ue, and high temperature oxidation. Corrosion control measures develop ed for Mg alloys include the development of high purity or new alloys, rapid solidification, coatings, and surface modification.