Chrome-free neodymium-based protective coatings for magnesium alloys

Abstract The microstructure of chrome-free neodymium-based conversion coating on magnesium alloy was investigated and the corrosion resistance was evaluated as well. The micro-morphology, transverse section, crystal structure and composition of the coating were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results revealed that the morphology of neodymium conversion coating is of crack-mud structure. Tiny cracks distribute in the compact coating deposited by neodymium oxides. EDS results characterize that the coating is made of neodymium oxides. The potentiodynamic polarization curve, EIS and OCP indicate that the neodymium conversion coating can improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys.