Abstract
A new Ce, Zr and Nb-based conversion coating was designed for AZ91 and AM50 magnesium alloys. The corrosion protection provided by this coating was evaluated by electrochemical measurements (polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) in Na 2SO 4 electrolyte, and accelerated atmospheric corrosion tests (humid, SO 2 polluted air, and salt spray). Its chemical composition was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical measurements showed that Mg alloys treated during 24 h in the Ce–Zr–Nb conversion bath exhibit: (i) increased corrosion potential, (ii) decreased corrosion and anodic dissolution current densities, and (iii) increased polarization and charge transfer resistances. The accelerated corrosion tests revealed excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance for all Ce–Zr–Nb-treated samples, with or without an additional layer of epoxy–polyamide resin lacquer or paint. XPS analysis showed that the coating includes CeO 2, Ce 2O 3, ZrO 2, Nb 2O 5, MgO, and MgF 2 as main components. No significant modification of the chemical composition was observed after cathodic and anodic polarization in Na 2SO 4. This new coating provides improved corrosion resistance, and excellent paint adhesion. It offers an alternative to the chromate conversion coating for magnesium alloys.
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