Adsorption and corrosion behaviour of Trichoderma harzianum for AZ31B magnesium alloy in artificial seawater

Effect of the fungus, Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum), on the corrosion of AZ31 B magnesium alloy in artificial seawater (AS) has been studied. Hyphae of T. harzianum overlapped with corrosion products on the surface of AZ31 B magnesium alloy were clearly observed. Results showed that the presence of T. harzianum decreased the pH and Ecorr vs. SCE. Electrochemical results showed that icorr increased while Rt decreased in the presence of T. harzianum obviously compared to the sterile AS, suggesting acceleration of the corrosion by T. harzianum. Cyclic polarization and SEM indicated that T. harzianum decreased the resistance of the localized corrosion.