Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviour of WE54 Magnesium Alloy

Abstract

The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of WE54 magnesium alloy in 0.5 wt.% NaCl solution was studied using electrochemical techniques. Polarization results suggested that the rare-earths in WE54 alloy enhanced the passivation tendency of the alloy and decreased the corrosion current by ~30% compared to pure magnesium. Pitting corrosion resistance was also higher in WE54 alloy than that in pure magnesium. Long-term electrochemical impedance results showed that the polarization resistance of WE54 alloy was more than two times higher than that of pure magnesium even after initial passivity breakdown.