Twin mediated texture and precipitate synergy governs corrosion behavior of ZK60 magnesium alloys

Twin-mediated texture evolution and precipitate redistribution synergistically govern the corrosion of ZK60 Mg alloy. In this study, pre-compression and subsequent T4/T6 treatments were applied to reveal the microstructural factors that regulate electrochemical stability. The as-received alloy, with a strong basal texture and sparse precipitates, exhibits the lowest corrosion current density (3.586 × 10⁻⁶ A⋅cm⁻²). Pre-compression activates {1012} tensile twinning, weakening the basal texture and introducing high-energy boundaries. Subsequent aging drives MgZn₂ precipitation to these boundaries, forming a dense cathodic network that raises the corrosion current density to 9.095 × 10⁻⁶ A⋅cm⁻² (PC-T6). The corrosion behavior is governed by two synergistic mechanisms. Basal texture suppression of surface energy heterogeneity promotes stable passivation, while boundaryanchored MgZn₂ clusters intensify local galvanic corrosion. The combined action of twin-mediated texture modification and precipitate segregation ultimately shapes the corrosion response of ZK60. These results establish a mechanistic framework for improving corrosion resistance through coordinated control of texture and secondary-phase distribution.