Influence of testing parameters on the corrosion rate of magnesium alloys

In sodium chloride solutions alloy composition, phases, microstructure and grain size influence the corrosion behaviour of magnesium alloys. Concentration and distribution of the critical impurities iron, nickel and copper affect the corrosion performance strongly. Salt spray tests according to ASTM B 117 or DIN 50021 are used to control quality of magnesium alloys. Results of these tests often estimate alloy subcontractors and are therefore very important to placing. Standards specify test solution, test temperature and position of specimens during test in the salt spray chamber. Standards not prescribe preparation of test specimens, exposure period, handling of the specimens after salt spray test nor the interpretation of the results. Results of salt spray tests can be only compared, provided that test conditions are exactly given. Whether the standards fulfil the above described criteria, will be shown by extensive investigations. Therefore the influence of exposure period, surface condition and microstructure was investigated.