Impact of Microstructure on the In Situ Formation of LDH Coatings on AZ91 Magnesium Alloy

Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) coatings were synthesized on as-cast, T4 (solution treatment), and T6 (aging treatment) AZ91 magnesium alloys using a hydrothermal method. XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analyses showed that the large β-phases in as-cast AZ91 initially promoted LDH growth via galvanic corrosion, but later compromised coating integrity. In contrast, T6 and T4 alloys, with refined microstructures, formed uniform and compact LDH coatings. Corrosion resistance was enhanced in T6 and T4 alloys, as evidenced by higher impedance from EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy), and HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) tests, due to the formation of dense LDH layers.