Influence of Low-Energy High-Current Electron Beam Exposure on the Phase Composition and Corrosion Resistance of the AM60 Magnesium Alloy

The surface of an AM60 (Al—5.5, Zn—0.2, Cu—0.009, Fe—0.005, Si—0.1, Ni —0.002, Mn—0.3 wt %, Mg—the rest) magnesium alloy was exposed to a low-energy high-current electron beam. After the irradiation, the content of the β-phase (Mg₁₇Al₁₂) decreases and the aluminum content increases in the alloy surface layer. After the exposure to the electron beam, the corrosion resistance of the alloy in a 1-molar NaCl solution increases significantly compared to the initial state. The physical reason for an increase in the alloy corrosion resistance after exposure to the electron beam is the higher corrosion resistance of the oxide film formed on the alloy surface due to the increased aluminum content.