Comparison of testing solutions on the protection of Al-alloys using a Mg-rich primer

Magnesium-rich coatings present a new and challenging field of development for the corrosion protection of aluminium structures. These coatings are capable of sacrificial protection, but assessment of their efficiency and durability can be strongly affected by the testing environment. In this work two solutions commonly used in our studies are compared: 0.1% NaCl and dilute Harrison solution (DHS). The corrosion behaviour of two aluminium alloys coated with a magnesium-rich coating, of pure magnesium and of the bare aluminium substrates was assessed in the two solutions using electrochemical techniques. The corrosion rate of pure magnesium was higher in DHS, although the dissolution rate of the magnesium embedded in the polymer matrix was not significantly affected. The impedance spectra of the scribed samples resembled that of the bare substrates in NaCl solution but not in DHS.