Effect of solution concentration on sealing treatment of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film on AZ91D Mg alloy

Cerium-based sealing treatment was developed for Mg-Al hydrotalcite film on AZ91D Mg alloy, and the influence of cerium salt solution was investigated to modify the surface integrity and corrosion resistance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out to analyze the surface morphology and phase composition. The corrosion resistance of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film after sealing treatment was evaluated by the polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The results showed that lower concentration of Ce-containing solution was beneficial to seal the micro-cracks on Mg-Al hydrotalcite film, and improve the surface integrity and corrosion resistance; higher concentration of Ce-containing solution could seal fewer micro-cracks, and the corrosion resistance was decreased owing to the disintegration of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film.