Dynamic corrosion mechanical properties of magnesium alloys with Erbium in the chloride ions environment

Abstract

The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), weight loss corrosion rate, corrosion residual strength (CRS), and slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) methods were used to study the effects of the addition of rare earth Erbium (Er) on the dynamic corrosion mechanical properties of the AM50 magnesium alloy. The results show that after Er was added, a new phase of Al3Er appeared and the microstructure was refined. The corrosion resistance of rare earth Er addition to the alloy was 0.5% > 1.5% > 1.0% > 0. Furthermore, the corrosion rates decreased in 432 h. The CRS results within 168 h show that the strength after an addition of 0.5% Er was the highest and the decline rate was the smallest. According to the shape of the tensile curve of CRS and the morphology of the tensile fracture, the addition of rare earth Er did not change the fracture form of the alloy, which remained as quasi-cleavage.