Two distinct roles of Al2Sm and Al11Sm3 phases on the corrosion behavior of the magnesium alloy Mg-5Sm-xAl

The roles of Al11Sm3 and Al2Sm phases on microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the Mg-5Sm-xAl system was investigated. The results showed that adding Al to Mg–5Sm binary alloy brought two Al–Sm phases, Al11Sm3 and Al2Sm, which had two distinct roles regarding the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the Mg-Sm-Al alloy. Al11Sm3 produced a strong galvanic couple with the Mg matrix, and significantly accelerated the corrosion. The Al2Sm particles promoted heterogeneous nucleation and refined the grains, which increased the tensile strength and ductility. Both types of Al–Sm particles provided strengthening effect for the alloy. With higher Al contents, Al2Sm formed an Al oxide protective surface layer and increased corrosion resistance.