Microstructure characterization and electrochemical corrosion behavior of Zn and Zn/Mg alloys in H2SO4 solution

The three systems of pure Zn, Zn-0.10% Mg(mass fraction), and Zn-0.15% Mg(mass fraction) were cast under controlled atmosphere and their microstructures were characterized by SEM/EDS analysis. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of these three samples was examined in the very aggressive solution of 50% H2SO4(mass fraction) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The results show that magnesium improves in some extent the corrosion resistance of pure Zn in 50% H2SO4(mass fraction) confirmed by EIS test. Results of polarization measurment also demonstrate that small amount of Mg significantly improves the passivation of Zn in the test solution. Results of surface morphology of the samples and EDS analysis reveal that Mg reduced the corrosion attacks to pure Zn.