Enhancing corrosion resistance of magnesium base-alloys by alloying Part 1: Dynamic alkalinization of the boundary layer - Ternary alloys

The general usage of magnesium alloys is limited by poor corrosion resistan ce. This is one limiting aspect amongst others. The known principles to enh ance corrosion resistance are insufficient, particularly concerning moister ing or galvanic corrosion. This paper shows the mechanisms of Mg-corrosion, e.g. the anodic self-dissolution acid the principles of alloying to enhanc e corrosion resistance: alkalinization, the formation of mixed oxide system s or salt. The principles are described for Mg-Li-, Mg-Al-Zn-, ME-Li-Al-Zn- and Mg-Li-Ca-alloys in synthetic seawater, CO2-enriched drinking water and 0.01 m sulphuric acid. The effects of the lithium content are examined in atmospheric corrosion, too.