Surface modification of magnesium alloy AZ31 by hydrofluoric acid treatment and its effect on the corrosion behaviour

In the present study, the effect of hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment on the surface composition and corrosion behaviour of the magnesium alloy AZ 31 was investigated. The HF treatment of the samples was performed with various concentrations and at different treatment times. The samples surfaces were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the formation of hydroxides, oxides and compounds of the general formula Mg(OH)xF2 − x on the samples surfaces, as well as variations on impurities concentrations. The process led to distinct surfaces, each having its specific corrosion resistance, which was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentio-dynamic polarization. The most improved corrosion protection was achieved using the concentrations of 14 and 20 mol L− 1 and 24 h of treatment time, resulting in corrosion rates 20 times lower than those of untreated samples. These two solutions also resulted in an improved corrosion protection for further polymeric coatings, showing that this treatment is an excellent pre-treatment for corrosion protective layers on magnesium alloys.