A review on corrosion and corrosion inhibition behaviors of magnesium alloy in ethylene glycol aqueous solution

Abstract Magnesium alloy is one of the most promising automotive lightweight materials, but its poor corrosion resistance seriously hinders its practical application in automotive engines. Corrosion inhibitor technology has the characteristics of small dosage, simple operation, low cost, and does not affect the heat dissipation of metals. Therefore, adding high-efficiency long-term corrosion inhibitors to automotive engine coolants is the simplest, most practical and effective way to realize the application of magnesium alloy in automotive engines. This paper reviewed the corrosion and corrosion inhibition behaviors of magnesium alloy in ethylene glycol aqueous solution. The effects of temperature, galvanic effect, water content, and anionic and acidic oxides on the corrosion of magnesium alloy in automotive coolant were summarized. The research, advantages and disadvantages of inorganic, organics small-molecule, polymer, and composite corrosion inhibitors for inhibiting the corrosion of magnesium alloy in ethylene glycol aqueous solution were also summarized. The construction of inorganic-polymer corrosion inhibitor composite films was proposed to realize the application of magnesium alloy in engine, which further enriched the corrosion theories and anti-corrosion technologies of magnesium alloy.