Variation of Corrosion Characteristics and Tensile Performances of WE43 Alloy Under Marine Atmospheric Environment.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the variation in corrosion characteristics and tensile properties of WE43 magnesium alloy in an actual marine atmospheric environment by means of outdoor exposure tests. The macroscopic corrosion morphology, microstructure, and tensile properties were analyzed. The results indicated that WE43 alloy will corrode rapidly during exposure under marine atmospheric environmental conditions, resulting in a loose and porous Mg(OH)₂ layer on the surface. The Mg matrix was mainly consumed as an anode, leading to the occurrence of corrosion pits. With the increase in exposure time, both the tensile strength and plasticity of WE43 alloy gradually deteriorated. After exposure for six months, the elongation and area reduction were significantly reduced, with a reduction ratio of more than 50%. After 18 months of exposure, the ultimate strength of the alloy decreased from 359 MPa to 300 MPa. According to an analysis of fractures in the alloy, the corrosion pits on the sample surface were the main reason for the decrease in tensile properties.