Use of Magnesium Alloy Electrodes as Material in Seawater Batteries: A Microstructure Analytical Approach

Abstract

This chapter highlights a detailed and accurate information to support the analysis of magnesium alloy corrosion rate resistance caused by the electrolysis process using various analytical methods in SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Magnesium alloys are modern metallic materials, which, due to their good strength properties and low density are increasingly more frequently an alternative for steel and aluminum alloys. Microstructural analysis has been performed on magnesium alloy electrodes, the material used for saltwater lantern batteries.  It is a tool that uses an electron beam to display the surface structure and composition of a test material. The test carried out on this magnesium alloy electrode is to crush the electrode into a fine powder. Then the powder is put into a container for SEM-EDS testing. Magnifications start from 1,000x until 15,000x. The results showed that the greater the magnification on the microscope, the more it was seen that the lumps looked brittle. In marine affairs and fisheries in general, the need for fishing support equipment or lighting tools when there is no electricity is principal. It is in line with efforts to develop appropriate and environmentally friendly alternative technologies to help coastal communities catch fish or do their daily activities. Then on the surface of the magnesium alloy electrodes, 58.00 wt% magnesium material is contained. The development of environmentally friendly technology, namely seawater lanterns, is to help the fishermen and coastal communities as a means of lighting when fishing or their daily needs.