Microstructure and corrosion behavior of Y-modified ZK60 Mg alloy prepared by laser powder bed fusion

The microstructure and corrosion behavior of Y-modified ZK60 Mg alloy prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) are studied. By controlling the content of Y, the quantity, distribution, and type of precipitates are regulated, and the corrosion resistance is improved. Specifically, the ZK60 alloy with 1 wt% Y exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, which is mainly due to the formation of a continuous network of rare earth-containing precipitates at the grain boundaries that form corrosion barriers to impede corrosion and induce grain refine-ment. In addition, the passivation and stability of the surface film are improved after the addition of Y.

Automated summary

The microstructure and corrosion behavior of Y-modified ZK60 Mg alloy prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) were investigated. By adjusting the Y content, the quantity, distribution, and type of precipitates were controlled to improve corrosion resistance. The ZK60 alloy with 1 wt% Y exhibited excellent corrosion resistance, mainly due to the formation of a continuous network of rare earth-containing precipitates at the grain boundaries, which acted as corrosion barriers and induced grain refinement. Additionally, the passivation and stability of the surface film were improved after Y addition.