Galvanic corrosion of Mg–Zr fuel cladding and steel immobilized in Portland cement and geopolymer at early ages

Abstract Galvanic corrosion behaviour of Mg–Zr alloy fuel cladding and steel has been studied in Ordinary Portland cement and Na–geopolymer. Portland cements implied the worse magnesium corrosion performances due to the negative effects of cement hydrates, grinding agents and gypsum on the galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion in Na–geopolymer paste remains very low. Silicates and fluoride from the geopolymer activation solution significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy while coupling with a cathode.