Effect of Sm content on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Mg-0.5Zn-0.4Mn-0.5Al magnesium alloy

Abstract The Mg-0.5Zn-0.4Mn-0.5Al (AZM) magnesium alloy was used as the research object, and the effect of rare earth Sm on the microstructure and corrosion rate of the alloy was studied. The results show that Sm atoms combine with Mg and Al atoms and transform into Al 2 Sm, Al 11 Sm 3 , and Mg 41 Sm 5 phases. As Sm content increases, the quantity and magnitude of the second phase change, while the morphology and distribution change little. Based on the findings of the hydrogen evolution, the AZM alloy rate of corrosion can be decreased by adding Sm. When the Sm content reaches 1 wt.%, the corrosion rate reaches the minimum value of 0.0205 ml/(cm 2 ·h), and the corrosion resistance is the best.