Cerium-based sealing treatment of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film on AZ91D magnesium alloy

Abstract

An environment-friendly cerium-based sealing treatment was developed to improve the surface integrity and corrosion resistance of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film on AZ91D magnesium alloy. The cerium dioxide was generated through three stages namely nucleation, growth and dissolution, modifying the surface of AZ91D Mg alloy, and the hydrotalcite film became integral after being treated for 30 min. The results of polarization curves showed that the anti-corrosive performance of the hydrotalcite film was enhanced by the sealing treatment. Moreover, the immersion tests and electrochemical impedance spectrum measurements also demonstrated that the sealed hydrotalcite film provided a longer-term protection of magnesium alloy from corrosion as compared to the unsealed one.