Abstract
The effects of the combined addition of Zn and Mg on the corrosion resistance of AlSi-based coating for automotive steel sheets were investigated using a variety of analytical and electrochemical techniques. The preferential dissolution of Mg and Zn from MgZn(2)/Mg(2)Si phases occurred on the AlSi-based coating that had been alloyed with a smaller portion of Zn and Mg, which contributed to the rapid surface coverage by corrosion products with a protective nature, reducing the corrosion current density. On the other hand, localized corrosion attacks caused by the selective dissolution of Mg were also observed in the AlSi-based coating with a smaller portion of Zn and Mg. Such alloying can also worsen its corrosion resistance when coated additionally with electrodeposited paint. The mechanistic reasons for these conflicting results are also discussed.