Author(s)

E.A. Carter, T.F. Barton & G.A. Wright

Abstract

Magnesium alloys are being used in increasing amounts for the production of a wide variety of components in consumer products. The low density and ease of fabrication by die casting, make magnesium components an attractive option for engineering applications, provided processes can be developed to give a durable and attractive surface finish. The anodisation of pure magnesium and some alloys of magnesium in alkaline solutions has been investigated, using constant applied current. The observed potential increased linearly with time to about 70 V as a thin barrier film grew on the metal surface. The electric field in the barrier film was found to be 9 x 10® V/m and there was no variation of field with the applied current. When the bar

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