Effect of sintering temperature on corrosion properties of sol-gel based Al2O3 coatings on pre-treated AZ91D magnesium alloy

A novel anti-corrosion sol-gel based Al2O3 coating was developed on the AZ91D magnesium alloy. The morphology, microstructure and composition of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The corrosion resistance of the coatings in 3.5 NaCl wt.% solution was studied using electrochemical measurements. The results demonstrated that a homogeneous Al2O3 coating could be obtained and the sol-gel coated samples sintered at 380 degrees C had the best corrosion resistance properties as compared to the specimens sintered at 120 and 280 degrees C. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.