Scanning kelvin probe force microscopy - A useful tool for studying atmospheric corrosion of MgAl alloys in situ

Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) is used to study the initial stages of atmospheric corrosion of an AlMg alloy and of physical vapor deposition (PVD) deposited 2 μm Al dots on pure Mg. The latter system is used as a model of a two-phase AlMg alloy. The influence of CO2 was studied in situ in humid air using SKPFM. This method allows for the in situ investigation of the evolution of the Volta potential during exposure, the resolution being in the submicrometer range. The temperature was 22.0°C, and the relative humidity was 85 or 95%. The concentration of CO2 was