Corrosion resistance tests of magnesium alloy WE43 after extrusion

The purpose of the study was to evaluate resistance to electrochemical corrosion of magnesium alloy WE43 after plastic working. Potentiodynamic and immersion corrosion tests were performed in solutions with concentration of 0,01 – 2 M NaCl. The tests of microstructure of magnesium alloy after its exposure in NaCl solutions were performed with application of scanning microscope. The results of measurements of alloy surface topography were given, which were obtained by means of optical profile measurement gauge. The results of carried out tests prove explicitly that corrosion properties of extruded magnesium alloy WE43 deteriorate with the increase of molar concentration of NaCl solution. It was proved that irrespective of the concentration of the solution, WE43 alloy features pitting corrosion. It indicates the necessity to apply protective layers on the parts made of the tested alloy.