Corrosion Behavior of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy with Microarc Oxidation Film Irradiated by High-Intensity Pulsed Ion Beam

The microarc oxidation (MAO) films on AZ31 magnesium alloy were modified by high-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) at an ion current density of 200 A/cm2 with 1-5 shots. The modified MAO films presented a corrosion resistance superior to that of the original films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that a sealing layer was formed on the MAO films by HIPIB irradiation. The corrosion behaviors of the MAO films in 3.5 % NaCl solution were characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The noticeable improvement in the corrosion resistance of MAO films is attributed to the blocking effect of the sealing layer that hinders the process of electrolyte penetrating the MAO films to the magnesium alloy.