저널

This review deals with one of the surface modification techniques, chemical conversion coating and particularly cerium-based conversion coatings (CeCC) as a promising substitute for chromium and phosphate conversion coating on magnesium and its alloys. The CeCCs are commonly considered environmentally friendly. The effects of surface preparation, coating thickness, bath composition, and e-paint on the corrosion behavior of CeCCs have been studied on the AZ31 magnesium alloy. This review also correlates the coating microstructural, morphological, and chemical characteristics with the processing parameters and corrosion protection. Results showed that the as-deposited coating system consists of a three layer structure (1) a nanocrystalline MgO transition layer in contact with the Mg substrate, (2) a nanocrystalline CeCC layer, and (3) an outer amorphous CeCC layer. The nanocrystalline CeCC layer thickness is a function of immersion time and cerium salt used. The overall corrosion protection was crucially dependent on the presence of coating defects. The corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy was better for thinner CeCCs, which can be explained by the presence of fewer and smaller cracks. On the other hand, maximum corrosion protection was achieved when AZ31 magnesium samples with thin CeCCs are e-painted. The e-paint layer further restricts and hinders the movement of chloride and other aggressive ions present in the environment from reaching the magnesium surface.

Cerium conversion coating;Corrosion performance;E-paint;Magnesium alloy;