Microstructures and corrosion resistance of three typical superlight Mg–Li alloys

Abstract Three typical superlight Mg–Li alloys (Mg-5Li-3Al-2Zn, Mg-8Li-3Al-2Zn and Mg-14Li-3Al-2Zn) with the matrixes of alfa(Mg), alfa(Mg) + beta(Li) and beta(Li), respectively, are prepared. The microstructures of the alloys are characterized using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistant properties of the alloys are characterized by means of hydrogen evolution, weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization. The alloys are also oxidized at elevated temperature. The microstructure and corrosion resistant property of the alloys after oxidation are also characterized.