Effects of phosphate pretreatment and hot-humid environmental exposure on static strength of adhesive-bonded magnesium AZ31 sheets

An innovative phosphate–permanganate surface treatment (PPT) was developed to improve the static strength of adhesive-bonded 4 mm thick magnesium AZ31 sheets. The phosphate coating having the chemical composition of 1.43% P, 1.63% F and 0.15% Mn (in mass %) was formed after the treatment with PPT solution which has the formulation of KMnO4, K2HPO4, Na2SiO3 and NaF. The combination of additives NaF and Na2SiO3 and the pH values in the range of 5–6 for a phosphate–permanganate solution was found to be the key elements for the formation of the phosphate coating. The appearance of the phosphate coating and corrosion resistance to 3.5%NaCl solution was assessed. To study the durability of the coating, the effect of an exposure in a hot-humid environment (96% R.H. at 40 °C) on the static strength of adhesive-bonded magnesium AZ31 was investigated. Test results showed that the phosphate coating improved not only the static strength of bonded magnesium AZ31 joints in an ambient condition but also the durability in a hot-humid environment. These results suggest that PPT surface pretreatment is capable of improving the static strength and thermal durability of adhesive-bonded magnesium AZ31 sheets.