In situ growth of Mg-Al hydrotalcite film on AZ31 Mg alloy

An environmentally friendly method for in situ growth of Mg-Al hydrotalcite (HT) film on AZ31 magnesium alloy has been developed. The growth processes and corrosion resistance of the HT film were investigated. Then the HT film was surface modified by phytic acid solution to further improve the corrosion resistance. The film formation involves the dissolution of AZ31 substrate, adsorption of the ions from solution, nucleation of the precursor, followed by the dissolution of $Al^{3+}$, exchanging of $OH^-$ by $CO{_3}^{2-}$ and growth of the HT film. The HT film is very compact and acts as a barrier against $Cl^-$ attack in the early stage of corrosion, and then the surface of the film is dissolved gradually. This dense HT film can provide effective protection to the AZ31 alloy. The HT film with surface modification by phytic acid presents a self-healing feature and exhibits better corrosion resistance.