Effect of Artificial Aging on Intergranular Corrosion of 6063 Al Alloy
The effect of artificial aging on the corrosion properties of 6063 Al alloy was investigated by optical microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and accelerated corrosion test. Accelerated corrosion test revealed that the alloy was susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) in the artificial aged conditions according to the surface corrosion morphology, and the IGC resistance was reduced as the aging time was prolonged, resulting from more Mg2Si grain boundary precipitates formed. However, the corroded cross-sections showed that the IGC was very local. Additionally, the surface corrosion morphology also showed that pitting corrosion took place, resulting from galvanic corrosion between (FeMn)3Si12Al15 particles and matrix Al.