Mechanism of Exfoliation (Layer Corrosion) of AI-5%Zn-1%Mg

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanism of exfoliation in AlZn5Mg1 alloy has been studied by making a survey of the phasesb occurring in the alloy in the naturally aged and artificially aged conditions, preparing the phases in pure state and investigating their electrochemical properties. It has beenfound that in the naturally aged alloy, the attack is confined to lamellar zones in the structure giving rise to the exfoliation. Finely dispersed α-Al(Fe, Me)Si phase particles arranged in streaks along the extrusion or rolling direction act as cathodes and the anodic areas consist of narrow zones of the Zn- and Mg-rich matrix, next to the particles. Between the streaks of α-Al(Fe,Me)Si particles, layers of matrix are left unattacked. Since the main factor determining the amount of α-Al(Fe,Me)Si phase is the Fe content, an increase in Fe content will decrease resistance to exfoliation. In the artificially aged condition, the alloy is not prone to exfoliation, but shows a type of general attack. α-Al(Fe,Me)Si particles again co...