Corrosion protection of AZ91 magnesium alloy by anodizing in niobium and zirconium-containing electrolytes

A new Nb + Zr-based anodized coating was designed for the corrosion protection of AZ91 magnesium alloy. Polarization curves and electrochemical impedance diagrams plotted in Na2SO4 electrolyte showed its high protective effect. Analysis of the chemical composition by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the coating mainly consisted of (i) magnesium metaborate and metaphosphate, (ii) MgF2 and ZrF4, and (iii) Nb2O5, ZrO2 and MgO. A higher concentration of fluorine at both interfaces and an enrichment in Zr compared to Nb were revealed by SEM and EDS analyses. Thus, Zr-based compounds and MgF2 play a key role in the anti-corrosion ability of the coating.