An investigation was carried out to quantify and characterize the corrosion behavior of
AZ61A magnesium alloy joints. Extruded 6-mm-thick Mg alloy plates of AZ61A grade were
butt-welded using a solid-state, environmentally cleaner welding process, the friction
stir welding process. The weld specimens underwent immersion, salt spray, pitting and
galvanic corrosion tests in order to quantify and characterize the corrosion rates of the
welds with the influence of different pH values, chloride ion concentrations and the
corrosion time. The corrosion rates, microstructure, scanning electron microscopy and
X-ray diffraction analysis concluded the optimum parameters for the usage of the magnesium
alloy welds for the best service applications.