Effect of compression deformation on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys

The effect of deformation on the corrosion and mechanical behavior of wrought Mg-alloys AZ31, AM50, and ZK60 was investigated. The materials' behavior was correlated to the changes in metallurgical features, during compression, into different amounts of deformation at three temperatures: 250° C, 280° C, and 350° C. The metallurgical features were monitored by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that there is a very strong correlation between three features: 1. metallurgical features (mainly twinning, dislocation accumulation, and dynamic recrystallization); 2. The thermo-mechanical state (amount of deformation and its temperature); and 3. The corrosion behavior of wrought Mg-alloys. This correlation was emphasized by the mechanical behavior measured through micro-hardness. Microstructural changes during deformation, and potentio-dynamic corrosion tests were correlated. These results show that studies on the effect of thermo-mechanical state (related to the microstructure) on the corrosion behavior of wrought Mg-alloys are essential in order to optimize their applicability to plastic forming processes.