The effect of magnesium additions on the microstructure and cut edge corrosion resistance of zinc aluminium alloy galvanised steel

The magnesium levels in 20 μm thick 4.5% Al/Zn galvanising coatings applied to 0.7 mm gauge steel under continuous galvanising conditions were altered from 0.0% to 0.05%. The additions result in an increase in the zinc dendrites (volume fraction from 6% to 22% and number from 150 to 325 mm−2) since magnesium depresses the eutectic temperature increasing the freezing range. The microstructural modification results in increasing cut edge corrosion determined using a scanning vibrating electrode technique for 24 h exposure to 5% NaCl. The Mg additions result in an increase in zinc loss (from 80 to 185 μg), an increase in active anode numbers (from 600 to 1700 m−1 cut edge) and an increase in the number of long lived anodes.