Ceria-based coatings and pigments

Abstract Cerium oxide–based coatings have become a viable and environmentally friendly approach for the corrosion protection of lightweight alloys. Aluminum and more recently magnesium alloys have been the materials selected for reducing weight in industrial applications where recyclability and high strength-to-weight ratio are important design variables. Although both Al and Mg alloys require special surface engineering treatments to be able to work under mild corrosion conditions, ecologically friendly approaches to protect these alloys are limited. This chapter critically reviews cerium oxide-based anticorrosion coating for Al and Mg alloys. Since cerium-based pigments have also shown anticorrosion properties, a section of the chapter addresses this topic.