Corrosion behavior of a cerium-based conversion coating on alumina borate whisker-reinforced AA6061 composite pre-treated by hydrogen fluoride

► Hydrogen fluoride pre-treatment prior to cerium conversion coating was studied. ► Both 'defect-free' and cracked coatings were prepared. ► The corrosion resistance of 'defect-free' coating is higher than that of cracked one. ► A self-healing effect was observed only on 'defect-free' coating.