Ellipsometric analysis of corrosion behavior of 3C magnesium alloy surface touched by simulated sweat

As an optimum shell material, AZ80 magnesium alloys are widely applied in the 3C (computers, communications and consumer electronics) industries. The case of 3C products corroded by a sweaty hand has been simulated and the corrosion characters have been investigated by ellipsometric technology. Thickness variation of corrosive medium film on a Mg alloy surface was monitored. Surface structure of a corrosion layer was described with a three‐layer optical model (substrate—EMA—Cauchy) and thickness of each layer for different soaking time was obtained by fitting experimental data with the model. The corrosion product films with a refractive index of 1.45–1.62, loose corrosion product layer, can only provide limited protection to the substrate when a Mg alloy surface is corroded by sweat again. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.