Perspective on “The Role of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ Phase in the Corrosion of Mg Alloy AZ91,” by O. Lunder, J.E. Lein, T.Kr. Aune, and K. Nisancioglu, Corrosion 45, 9 (1989): p. 741-748

The corrosion of magnesium has remained a significant engineering (and scientific) challenge for close to a century. In the context of magnesium alloys, the alloy microstructure (from the nanoscale to the millimeter scale) plays a key role in influencing the alloy corrosion rate and morphology. The pioneering work that coupled quantitative and analytical microstructural analysis, with the attendant corrosion response, set the benchmark for the field of corrosion metallurgy that followed. This perspective provides a brief context and background for describing the relevance and impact of the classic article.