The effects of a eutectic modifier on microstructure and surface corrosion behavior of Al-Si hypoeutectic alloys

Hypoeutectic aluminum–silicon alloys can have significant improvements in mechanical properties by inducing structural modification in the normally occurring eutectic. The eutectic modification may affect not only the mechanical properties but also the corrosion resistance of such alloys. It is well known that structural parameters such as grain size and interdendritic spacing can significantly affect corrosion resistance of alloys. However, to date, few researches have been performed to experimentally evaluate the effects of an effective modification of eutectic morphology on surface corrosion behavior of Al–Si alloys. In the present study, modified and unmodified samples of an Al 9 wt.% Si alloy were solidified under similar solidification conditions, and after metallographic procedures, the corrosion resistance was analyzed by both the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and the Tafel extrapolation method carried out in a 0.5 M NaCl test solution at 25 °C. The impedance parameters and corrosion rate were obtained from an equivalent circuit analysis. It was found that the Al-9 wt.% Si alloy casting in the modified condition tends to have its corrosion resistance decreased when compared to the unmodified alloy.