First-Principles Investigations into the Electrochemical Behavior of Mg-Based Intermetallics

Magnesium alloys have drawn considerable attention for several engineering applications, owing to their excellent properties like low density and high specific strength. The room temperature ductility and mechanical properties of Mg are usually enhanced by alloying additions. Based on the thermomechanical processing, the presence of critical concentration of alloying element typically leads to the formation of stable binary intermetallic phases with Mg, thereby distinctly altering the microscopic electrochemical properties of the alloy. However, the secondary intermetallic phases in Mg alloys are typically of sub-micron size; thus, accurate electrochemical characterization is a challenging issue. Using first-principles calculations, the electrochemical behavior of various Mg intermetallics was comprehensively quantified. The electrochemical polarization behavior of the intermetallics was strongly dependent on surface-mediated properties and chemical bonding characteristics. Finally, the computational framework provides an accurate screening tool that can assist in alloy design and development of coatings.