| Abstract Scope |
This study investigates the effect of aging heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of WE43 magnesium alloy. The alloys were solutionized at 525°C for 16 hours, followed by aging at 190°C, 210°C, and 230°C for up to 48 hours. The formation of precipitates during aging, including their type and size, significantly influenced the alloy’s mechanical properties and corrosion behavior. The solutionized alloy exhibited the poorest corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid, while the alloy aged at 210°C for 24 hours showed the highest hardness and corrosion resistance due to the formation of β’ precipitates. Prolonged aging at 210°C led to a decrease in corrosion rate, as precipitates coarsened and precipitate-free zones developed. The improved corrosion resistance in peak-aged samples was linked to the β’ precipitates’ pinning effect, which stabilized the Mg(OH)2/MgO corrosion layer and slowed down the corrosion process. |