The influence of SMAT and polishing on the degradation of AZ31B magnesium alloy in 3.5 wt. NaCl solution

Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) has been recognized as a potential surface treatment for improving the strength and the wear resistance of magnesium (Mg) and its alloy. However, this treatment potentially increases the degradation rate of these particular materials. Therefore, additional treatments might be needed to overcome such limitations of the SMAT. In this research, the influence of polishing on the degradation of the SMAT-processed AZ31B Mg alloy was investigated. Weight loss measurement and pH monitoring were carried out to determine the degradation behavior of the Mg alloy during an immersion test in 3.5 wt. NaCl solution. The results showed that the degradability of the Mg alloy decreased with the application of polishing to remove the rough surface layer and the Fe contaminant on the material surface generated by the SMAT. Based on all the findings in this work, it can be concluded that the SMAT is indeed a promising technique for lowering the degradability of AZ31B Mg alloy, but such an advantage was masked by the increased roughness and contamination of the alloy surface with this treatment. © 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.