Effect of Heat Treatment on the Corrosion Behaviour of a Mg-Y Alloy in Chloride Medium

Corrosion behaviour of a Mg-Y alloy (commercial WE54) has been studied. This alloy presents excellent retention of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures, a combination of properties that can be of interest in many technology applications. To evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance, WE54 samples in extruded state and after T6 heat treatment were studied. Corrosion behaviour was evaluated by electrochemical and immersion tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at room temperature and neutral pH. Surface examination was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy WE54 in chloride medium was improved by applying the heat treatment to the material, a fact that was correlated with the developed microstructure in T6 condition.