Sol-gel coatings of low sintering temperature for corrosion protection of ZE41 magnesium alloy

► Corrosion protection of ZE41 alloys using purely inorganic sol-gel silica coatings. ► Purely inorganic sol-gel silica coating of low sintering temperature (135 °C). ► Starting sol-gel concentration in alkoxide precursor influenced corrosion resistance. ► Sintering process avoid mechanical deterioration of the magnesium alloy substrate. ► Effective physical barrier against corrosion up to 7 days.