Improved corrosion resistance of WE43 magnesium alloy with continuous network of MgF 2 prepared by powder metallurgy

Abstract

This paper deals with the preparation of the composite materials with a continuous network of MgF 2 in magnesium matrix. Powder of the WE43 magnesium alloy was boiled in NaOH to obtain a thick layer of Mg(OH) 2 and it was subsequently immersed in HF. Mg(OH) 2 was conversed into a thick layer of MgF 2 . The chemically treated powders were processed by spark plasma sintering. As a result, composite materials with a continuous network of MgO and MgF 2 respectively were formed. The corrosion resistance of the sample containing the network of MgF 2 was superior compared to the products from untreated powder.