Cathodic protective coating for Mg alloys

A new protective coating for magnesium alloys by creating magnesium dihydride layer has been developed. The coating involves an electrochemical process in alkaline bath with use of cathodic current. The coated surface shows a quasi-passive behavior and an excellent corrosion resistance in chloride solution. In this paper, the effect of process time, alloying element and the stability of the coating are investigated by means of weight loss measurement and electrochemical analysis. As the process is easy to handle with a modest operating cost, its application as an industrial coating for Mg products is expected.