Influence of addition of ge on the microstructure and corrosion properties of magnesium

Abstract

The corrosion properties of MgxGe (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mass%) alloys were investigated. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution at pH 7.2 to measure the corrosion properties of MgxGe (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mass%) alloys. Microstructural analysis showed that a Mg 2Ge phase formed mainly in the interdendritic areas. The volume fraction of the Mg 2Ge phase was increased with increasing Ge content. The corrosion resistance of the MgxGe alloys was improved by Ge addition. In particular, the Mg= xGe alloy showed the superior corrosion resistance of the alloys examined. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.