Exploring the corrosion inhibition of magnesium by coatings formulated with nano CeO and ZrO particles

ABSTRACT. In this study, zirconium oxide (ZrO)-cerium oxide (CeO) based composite coatings were fabricated using doctor blade method to protect pure magnesium from corrosion. The effects of ZrO and CeO on corrosion resistance of magnesium coatings were investigated using Tafel polarization method. Uniform deposition of composite coating without micro-voids was observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results exhibit that the addition of CeO show a higher corrosion resistance in comparison with the specimen coated without CeO in the electrolyte and bare Mg, and also it reduces the corrosion rate of Mg up to 3.67 x 10-5 mpy. Surface morphology of the so developed composite coating result a minimum corrosion on the surface. The usage of ZrO/CeO as coating material is a promising anticorrosive measure for Mg and its alloys due to its elevated corrosion resistance and durability. KEY WORDS: Magnesium, Cerium oxide synthesis, composite coating, Tafel polarization, Surface morphology Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(5), 1299-1306. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i5.20