Synthesis and protection of AM50 magnesium alloy and its composites using environmentally pretreatment electrolyte

This article details with the synthesis and surface modification of AM50 magnesium alloy and its composite (AM50-5%ZrO2 and AM50-10% ZrO2) substrate to improve the corrosion resistance. Environmentally friendly chemical conversion coating based on permanganate–phosphate solution was used in this study. Deposition of electroless Ni–P alloy and electrodeposition Ni onto AM50 magnesium alloys have been carried out. The influences of pretreatment steps on the surface morphology and composition analysis have been studied using scanning electron microscope/energy dispersed X-ray system (SEM/EDS). Additionally, the surface morphology and phase composition of the coatings were determined with (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Moreover, potentiodynamic polarization tests have been used to estimate the corrosion behavior of unprotected and protected AM50 Mg and its composite alloys in 5% NaCl solutions.

► AM50 Mg alloy and its composites were successfully prepared by stir casting method.
► Permanganate–phosphate conversion coating was proposed as the pretreatment layer.
► Ni electrodeposition onto AM50 magnesium alloys improved its corrosion resistance.