Exfoliation Corrosion of As-Extruded Mg-1Li-1Ca: the Influence of the Superficial Layer

Exfoliation corrosion (EFC) has rarely been reported for wrought magnesium alloys. Enhanced EFC of the as-extruded Mg-1Li-1Ca alloy was observed after the removal of outermost fine-grained skins. The microstructure and corrosion products were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The corrosion behavior was analyzed using electrochemical polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning Kelvin probe techniques. The results indicated that the surface of Mg-1Li-1Ca, with the superficial layer removed, was more susceptible to EFC. A linear correlation between grain boundary density and corrosion resistance was established. Additionally, the influence of factors such as grain size, intermetallic compounds, different alloy surfaces, and corrosion products on EFC were discussed, and the corresponding EFC mechanism was clarified.