Abstract
Despite the huge demand for ultra-light magnesium‑lithium (MgLi) alloys, practical applications of MgLi alloys are still severely restricted due to their poor corrosion resistance. Here, we report a new method utilizing low-temperature plasma to grow an oxide layer on the MgLi alloys in atmospheric condition, which reacts with CO2 and water in the air and consequently transform into a protective coating. The prepared coating has a layered structure consisting of a Mg(OH)2 inner layer and a Li2CO3 outer layer. The composition distribution can be attributed to the different migration rates between Li+ and Mg2+ during coating formation. The Li2CO3 outer layer is sufficiently compact and very stable, with an ultra-low solubility in water, explaining the superior corrosion resistance of the coating in 3.5% NaCl solution. This simple and eco-friendly surface treatment provides a novel way of fabricating protective coatings on MgLi alloys.
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