INFLUENCE OF SURFACTANTS ON THE CORROSION PROPERTIES OF CHROMIUM-FREE ELECTROLESS NICKEL DEPOSIT ON MAGNESIUM ALLOY

Influence of surfactants on the corrosion properties of chromium-free electroless nickel deposit were investigated on AZ91D magnesium alloy. The corrosion tests were carried out by immersion test (1 M HCl) and electrochemical polarization test (3.5 wt% NaCl). The surfactants in the electroless nickel bath increases the corrosion resistance properties of the deposit on the magnesium alloy. In addition, smoothness and amorphous plus nano-crystalline phase were increased and accounted for the significant corrosion resistance. As a consequence, the corrosion potential moved towards the positive direction and the corrosion current density decreased. The immersion tests also provided the same trend as that of electrochemical polarization test. On the whole, the study concluded that corrosion resistance was enhanced by including a surfactant in the electroless deposits on magnesium alloy.