Understanding Magnesium Corrosion—A Framework for Improved Alloy Performance

TLDR

Corrosion of magnesium alloys is understood relative to pure magnesium, yet substantial gaps in fundamental knowledge, engineering use, and protective strategies remain, highlighting the need for better alloy design. The paper aims to deliver a concise yet comprehensive mechanistic overview of magnesium corrosion types, establishing a theoretical framework for future research. The authors synthesize existing corrosion mechanisms to construct a unified, mechanistic model of magnesium alloy degradation. The review clarifies the corrosion modes of magnesium alloys and identifies the most critical environmental factors influencing them.

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a succinct but nevertheless complete mechanistic overview of the various types of magnesium corrosion. The understanding of the corrosion processes of magnesium alloys builds upon our understanding of the corrosion of pure magnesium. This provides an understanding of the types of corrosion exhibited by magnesium alloys, and also of the environmental factors of most importance. This deep understanding is required as a foundation if we are to produce magnesium alloys much more resistant to corrosion than the present alloys. Much has already been achieved, but there is vast scope for improvement. This present analysis can provide a foundation and a theoretical framework for further, much needed research. There is still vast scope both for better fundamental understanding of corrosion processes, engineering usage of magnesium, and also on the corrosion protection of magnesium alloys in service.