Improving corrosion resistance of magnesium by nonequilibrium alloying with yttrium

Significant improvements were achieved in the anodic polarization behavior of magnesium (Mg) by nonequilibrium alloying with 9 at% to 22 at% yttrium (Y). Alloys were fabricated using the nonequilibrium technique of magnetron cosputter deposition. Anodic potentiodynamic polarization experiments were conducted at various scan rates and pH values to assess the corrosion resistance of several MgY alloys. These alloys exhibited significantly enhanced corrosion behavior compared to pure Mg. Differences included higher breakdown potentials and lower passive current densities. X-ray diffraction of each alloy revealed the Y was retained in solid solution