Jh. Nordlien et al., MORPHOLOGY AND STRUCTURE OF OXIDE-FILMS FORMED ON MAGNESIUM BY EXPOSURE TO AIR AND WATER, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 142(10), 1995, pp. 3320-3322
Oxide films formed naturally on pure Mg are investigated by the use of
ultramicrotomed cross sections and transmission electron microscopy.
The film formed in air immediately after scratching the metal surface
is initially thin, dense, amorphous, and relatively dehydrated. Contin
uing exposure to humid air or exposure to water leads to the formation
of a thicker hydrated film adjacent to the metal. The film formed in
water contains an additional toy! layer characterized by a plateletlik
e morphology. The structure of these layers and their significance in
corrosion protection are discussed. The changes occurring in these str
uctures as a result of exposure to the electron beam are reported.