Corrosion behaviour of SiC particulate reinforced AZ31 magnesium matrix composite in 3.5 % NaCl with and without heat treatment

Abstract

Magnesium is a lightweight structural material widely utilised in automotive applications. To enhance its mechanical properties, ceramic particulate reinforcement can be incorporated, particularly for wear resistance and high-temperature applications. However, the addition of ceramic particles to magnesium can compromise its corrosion resistance due to microgalvanic cell formation at the interfaces between the Mg matrix and the second phase. This reduces the chemical protection provided by the passive film. In this study, the corrosion properties of AZ31 and AZ31-5SiC samples were investigated, with a focus on the effect of heat treatment. Detailed microstructural and electrochemical analyses revealed that the AZ31 cast sample forms an effective passive film, resulting in improved corrosion resistance. However, the addition of SiC particles to AZ31 increased the corrosion rate, with corrosion mechanisms evolving over time. To mitigate these effects, a heat treatment process was employed to dissolve β-Mg17Al12 eutectic and Al8Mn5 intermetallic phases. The heat-treated AZ31 with SiC exhibited an improvement in corrosion resistance. These findings highlight the potential for heat treatment to enhance their corrosion resistance, thereby broadening their application prospects.