Corrosion of artificial aged magnesium alloy AZ80 in 3.5 wt pct NaCl solutions

The corrosion morphologies of aged magnesium alloy AZ80 were investigated by immersion corrosion tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical measurement. The T5 heat treatment was carried out in a vacuum furnace, holding for 16 h at 177 degrees C, and then cooling in air. The results showed intergranular corrosion (IGC) occurred as an aged AZ80 sample was immersed in 3.5 wt pet NaCl aqueous solution for 1 h and the narrow path attack progressed predominantly along the bulk beta phase in the grain boundaries or took place in the eutectic areas. IGC was attributed to the network distribution of beta phase along the grain boundaries, the depleted aluminium in the precipitation areas and the breakdown potential.