Corrosion protection of NdFeB magnets by phosphating with tungstate incorporation

Abstract

In this investigation the effect of surface treatments on the corrosion resistance of a commercial NdFeB sintered magnet has been investigated. A solution of 10 g L- 1 NaH2PO4, acidified to pH 3.8 has been used for phosphating this magnet. The corrosion resistance of the phosphated magnet was investigated in a 0.10 mol L- 1 Na2SO4 solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry with rotating disc electrode. The obtained results reveal that the resistance decreases with exposure time due to the development of pores and/or defects in the conversion coating exposing the substrate to corrosive attack. The effect of tungstate incorporation into the phosphate conversion coating resulting from a phosphating treatment prior to immersion in the tungstate solution was evaluated. The proposed treatment consists of re-immersing the phosphated samples in a 0.1 mol L- 1 Na2WO4 solution during 72 h at the open circuit potential (OCP). Under these conditions, the corrosion resistance of the magnet was improved and this was attributed to the formation of a protective layer due to the adsorption of tungstate anions at the metallic substrate exposed in the coating, decreasing metal dissolution.