Influence of temperature and thermal cycles on the corrosion mechanism of wrought AZ91D magnesium alloy in simulated sea water solution

This study successfully conducted a comprehensive analysis of the AZ91D magnesium alloy, encompassing micro-structural, mechanical, and corrosion assessments. The microstructure consisted of primary α-Mg crystals and an aluminum-rich α-Mg/β-Mg17Al12 eutectic phase, with intermetallic phases predominantly precipitating at grain boundaries. The microhardness was quantified at 49.96 ± 1.76 HV. Thermostatic tests unveiled a noTab. increase in corrosion rates with rising temperatures, signaling reduced corrosion resistance at elevated environments. Conversely, thermos-cyclic tests showed relatively lower corrosion rates attributed to the accumulation of protective debris on the specimen surface, which could mitigate corrosion during temperature fluctuations. Electrochemical corrosion behavior revealed susceptibility to pitting corrosion at –1.204 V, limiting its application as a sacrificial anode in marine settings.