<i>In-situ</i> growth process and corrosion resistance of steam coatings on the surface of LA103Z Mg-Li alloy

This study explores the impact of steam treatment temperature on the structure and properties of steam coatings (SC) formed on the surface of Mg-Li alloys. Steam coatings were synthesised on LA103Z Mg-Li alloys at various temperatures (80°C, 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C) using a steam treatment method. The films’ morphology and phase composition were characterised by SEM, EDS, XRD, and FT-IR techniques, while their corrosion resistance was assessed through hydrogen evolution and immersion tests. Additionally, the growth and corrosion protection mechanisms of the steam coatings were analysed. The results demonstrate that increasing the steam treatment temperature enhances the film thickness and uniformity. However, temperatures above 110°C lead to crack formation and reduced film adhesion. Notably, films prepared at 110°C exhibited the best corrosion resistance, as evidenced by the hydrogen evolution tests. These findings suggest that steam treatment at 110°C yields the most effective SC for corrosion protection on LA103Z Mg-Li alloys.