Influence of Ti and TC4 Particles on the Corrosion Behavior of AZ91D Magnesium Matrix Composites

ABSTRACT The addition of Ti and TC4 particles to magnesium alloys can improve their strength and ductility. However, the impact and distinction between these two particles on the corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys are seldom documented. In this study, the corrosion behavior of AZ91D, TC4/AZ91D and Ti/AZ91D at 3.5 wt% NaCl was investigated. The results of the hydrogen evolution test indicate that the corrosion rates of AZ91D, TC4/AZ91D and Ti/AZ91D are 2.17, 38.27 and 49.13 mm/year, respectively. The addition of two types of particles has been observed to reduce the corrosion resistance of the composites. However, Ti/AZ91D has been identified as exhibiting the worst corrosion resistance. The hydrogen evolution overpotential of TC4 is greater than that of Ti, so the corrosion process controlled by cathodic hydrogen evolution of TC4/AZ91D is inhibited to a certain extent.