On the Oxidation Behaviour of WE43 and MSR-B Magnesium Alloys in CO<sub>2</sub> Atmosphere

Abstract

The aim of the studies was to determine the oxidation kinetics of two magnesium alloys, i.e. WE43 and MSR-B, in CO2 atmosphere with and without the addition of 2 vol.% H2O. The rate of oxidation was measured by thermogravimetry in the temperature range of 530-580°C, i.e. below and above the eutectic melting point. The melting point of the eutectic mixture was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The corrosion products were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis combined with EDS. Studies showed that on the WE43 alloy, a two-layer scale was formed, in which the outer part was composed of yttrium and magnesium oxides, while the inner part contained only yttrium oxide. The scale was found to preserve its good protective properties even above the eutectic temperature. Analysis of the results showed that on the MSR-B alloy, under a thin, uneven layer of scale, the process of internal oxidation occurred, and at a temperature of 580°C, the alloy underwent partial melting