Atmospheric corrosion of Mg–rare earth alloy in typical inland and marine environments

The atmospheric corrosion behaviour of peak aged Mg–5Y–7Gd–1Nd–0·5Zr alloys in typical land (Beijing) and marine (Qingdao) environments were investigated by optical microscopy, SEM and X-ray diffraction. The weight loss rates and residual mechanical properties were analysed. The atmospheric corrosion rates of specimens in a typical marine environment were higher than those in land environment. The results demonstrated that temperature, relative humidity and inorganic salts at field exposed sites played an important role in atmospheric corrosion behaviours. The results of our investigation may find wider applications for Mg–rare earth alloys in atmospheric environments.