Time-dependent corrosion properties of Sr-modified AlSi9 alloy analyzed by electrochemical techniques.

The relation between time-dependent corrosion behaviors and microstructural characteristics of Sr modified and unmodified AlSi9 alloy was studied. The melted alloys were cast into the permanent mold at 700 °C casting temperature. The Effect of holding time in the furnace on chemical compositions of alloys was determined. Sr content of the modified alloys was 200 ± 5 ppm after 4 h and 50 ± 2 ppm after 17 h holding time. Microstructural properties were analyzed after casting. The corrosion behavior of AlSi9 depending on Sr content was investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and potentiodynamic polarization plots in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 25 °C. The effect of immersion time was examined at 1, 24, 72 and 120 h. The results indicated that high Sr content in AlSi9 alloy contributes to the formation of a finer eutectic phase and more stable corrosion behavior during immersion time. • The effect of Sr modification on the AlSi9 is investigated. • The relation between corrosion and microstructural characteristics are evaluated. • 50 ppm Sr is enough to obtain fine and fibrous eutectic morphology. • Sr Modification contributes to formation of stable and less defective oxide layer. • The protective effect of denser oxide/hydroxide layer is evident up to 120 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]