Application of CeH–V/ sol–gel composite coating for corrosion protection of AM60B magnesium alloy

Application of a composite coating on AM60B magnesium alloy consisting of cerium–vanadium conversion coating and a hybrid sol–gel layer was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed a cracked nodular structure for the cerium–vanadium conversion coating which was mainly composed of O, Ce, V, and Mg atoms. All the cracks in the conversion coating were completely sealed by a thin, compact and defect-free hybrid sol–gel film. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments in Harrison's solution showed that the cerium–vanadium conversion coating provides minimal protection against corrosion while the composite coating significantly increases the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy. Sol–gel film provides protection against corrosion by sealing cracks in the cerium–vanadium conversion coating and acting as a barrier. Scanning electron microscopy analyses after polarization tests confirmed the results obtained by the electrochemical tests.