Effect of Sn Addition on Corrosion Properties of As-Cast and Hot-Rolled AZ31 Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

In this study, the effect of Sn addition on corrosion resistance of as-cast and hot rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy was investigated. Sn additions were made by 0.2 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1 wt%. An electric resistance furnace was used to produce alloys. Hot rolling process was performed at 350 °C by 40% thickness reduction at one rolling pass. Microstructure characterizations were performed by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Immersion tests and electrochemical analyses were performed to investigate the corrosion resistance of the alloys. A 3.5% NaCl working solution at room temperature was used in both corrosion tests. The results showed that Sn addition decreased the primary dentrite size and restricted the growth of secondary dentritic arm. The as-cast structures transformed to dynamically recrystallized grain structures after hot-rolling process in all the alloys. Corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy tended to decrease with Sn addition. This decrease was more clear in homogenized and hot-rolled states while there were some flactuations in as-cast states.