Corrosion and passivation behavior of Mg-Zn-Y-Al alloys prepared by cooling rate-controlled solidification

► Highly corrosion-resistant Mg alloys are prepared by cooling rate-controlled solidification. ► Corrosion behavior of Mg-Zn-Y-Al alloys are investigated by SIT and electrochemical measurements. ► Rapid solidification brings about the grain refinement and an increase in the solid solubility. ► Enhancing microstructural and electrochemical homogeneity improves corrosion resistance.