Phytic acid conversion coatings of magnesium

A chrome-free conversion coating treatment for magnesium by phytic acid solution was developed. The immersion experiments were used for evaluating the effects of the processing parameters (such as conversion temperature and time, concentration and pH value of phytic acid solution) on the corrosion resistance of the phytic acid conversion coating. The morphologies and compositions of the coatings were determined by SEM and EDS respectively. The experimental results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the conversion coating formed in the solution containing 0.5% phytic acid at 25 °C and pH=4 for 30min was higher than that of natural oxide, and the conversion coating formed on the surface of magnesium was of multilayer mainly consisting of Mg, C, O and P. The thicknesses of the conversion coatings were approximately 1.0-15μm and the conversion coatings presented obvious network-like cracks. The electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization experiment indicated that the free corrosion potential of the magnesium with phytic acid conversion coating was increased, and its corrosion current and corrosion rate declined in 3.5% NaCl solution. Phytic acid conversion coating could improve the electrochemical property of magnesium and provide effective protection, which can improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium.