Tracking the corrosion of magnesium sand cast AM50 alloy in chloride environments

An experimental procedure for tracking corrosion on lightweight alloys has been developed using a combination of microscopy and corrosion studies using commercial sand cast magnesium AM50 alloys. Corrosion penetration depths were measured and characterized with CLSM and SEM/XEDS, respectively. Corrosion depths on α-grains in the alloys were expressed as a function of their Al content. Al-rich β-phases and eutectic α-phase microstructures were observed to be most corrosion resistant due to an enrichment of Al, identified with TEM, near the oxide/alloy interface. Sand cast alloys were found to be susceptible to major corrosion events in regions with depleted Al content.