Effect of microstructure on exfoliation corrosion resistance in an Al-Zn-Mg alloy

In this work, the effect of microstructure on exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) resistance in an Al-Zn-Mg alloy were investigated using standard EXCO test, together with detailed microstructural examinations mainly by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-angle annular detector dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). An EXCO product model was built based on morphologies of EXCO product on longitudinal section and cross section for further measurement and analysis. A quantitative characterization of EXCO resistance by measuring average thickness of EXCO product was conducted, showing average results of 6.94 μm, 10.21 μm and 18.14 μm, which are corresponding to EXCO ratings of P, EA and EB under ASTM G34 standard, respectively. It was concluded that recrystallization, high fraction of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and high coverage ratio of η phases on HAGBs reduced EXCO resistance.