How should corrosion be removed from magnesium parts?

• A. Stiff, nonmetallic brush
• B. Steel wire brush
• C. Soft cloth
• D. Sandpaper

Answer: (A)

When removing corrosion from magnesium parts, use a stiff, nonmetallic brush. This lets you scrub away corrosion products without introducing foreign metal into the magnesium surface. Metallic tools, especially steel brushes, can shed iron particles that embed in the magnesium and set up galvanic corrosion, accelerating deterioration. A soft cloth won’t remove the corrosion effectively, and abrasive materials like sandpaper can scratch the surface and create pits or remove protective coatings. The nonmetallic brush provides the right balance of cleaning force and material compatibility for magnesium.