Formation of an aluminum-alloyed coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy in molten salts at lower temperature

An aluminum-alloyed coating was formed on an AZ91D magnesium alloy in molten salts containing AlCl3 at a lower temperature of 380 °C. The microstructure and phase constitution of the alloyed layer were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The nano-hardness of the coating was studied by nanoindentation associated with scanning probe microscopy. The corrosion resistance of the coated specimen was evaluated in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic potentiodynamic polarization. The results show that the aluminum-alloyed coating consists of Mg2Al3 and Mg17Al12 intermetallic layers. The formation of the coating is dictated by the negative standard free energy of the reaction: 2AlCl3 + 3 Mg = 3MgCl2 + 2Al. This process is associated with a displacement reaction mechanism and diffusion process that takes place during the molten salt treatment. High activity of Al elements in molten salts contributes to the lower temperature formation of the Al-alloyed coating. The alloyed coating markedly improves the hardness as well as the corrosion resistance of the alloy in comparison with the untreated AZ91D magnesium alloy, which is attributed to the formation of the intermetallic compounds.