Novel additions to enhance galvanic corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys

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BackgroundThis project, in collaboration with Luxfer MEL Technologies, a world leader in the design and manufacture of Magnesium Alloys for a range of industries, including aerospace, military and biomedical industries will involve fundamental studies aimed at developing and investigating novel, corrosion resistant magnesium alloys.Magnesium alloys are the lightest structural metals (30 % lighter than aluminium alloys) making them ideal candidates for light weighting in weight critical applications such as Formula 1, military and aerospace applications. However, corrosion and corrosion protection remain challenges for magnesium and its alloys, due to its position on the galvanic series with respect to other metals. This project involves designing novel, intrinsically corrosion resistant alloys based on 2 fundamental approaches:1. The use of alloying elements to modify the surface oxide layer of the magnesium alloy.2. The use of alloying elements to poison the cathodic activity within the alloy. Project AimsThis project aims to develop a step change in corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. Alloys will be produced by Luxfer MEL Technologies with the guidance on ideas and concepts from Swansea university. The aim of the modified alloys will be to investigate the effectiveness of oxide film modification and cathodic site poisoning, in isolation and in combination, on general and galvanic corrosion.The studies will be accompanied with comprehensive in- and ex-situ electrochemical characterization by means of scanning electrochemical techniques in combination with potentiodynamic measurements, amongst others. Surface chemical and structural characterization will be carried using a world class suite of instrumentation including X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), glancing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), based in the laboratories of the Swansea University corrosion research group.Predicted OutcomesRealistic goals:1. Understanding of the effect of various elements on oxide formation/cathodic poisoning in Mg alloys.2. Understanding of the mechanisms by which these changes occurAmbitious goals:1. Demonstrate improved performance of a material with regards to galvanic corrosion compared with base line materials.2. Develop an understanding that can be applied to a new industrial material.