Electrochemical characterization of the corrosion of a Mg–Li Alloy

The corrosion characteristic of a novel Mg–Li alloy with RE in alkaline NaCl solution was investigated by electrochemical means, such as open circuit potential vs time curves, potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). The result showed that Cl− concentration and pH value affected the corrosion of Mg–Li alloy, and in high Cl− concentration solution Cl− concentration was the major factor. Corrosion of the alloy was slighter in the stronger alkaline solution, because corrosion current(Icorr) reduced, corrosion potential (Ecorr) turned to positive direction and the capacitive loops enlarged. When Cl− increased, Icorr increased and capacitive loops shrinked, this means that corrosion of the alloy was more serious with the increase in Cl− concentration.