Based on the thorough electrochemical and surface examinations of the interactions of AZ31-xLi alloys with permanganate ions in chloride solutions it is now possible to discuss the mechanism of the protective action. Note that the corrosion mechanism of AZ31-xLi alloys in blank NaCl solutions was in detail explained in our previous publication , but it is important to briefly state it here. The results of the SKPFM measurements (Fig. ) and electrochemical data support the mechanism of corrosion, which is localized on the alloy matrix/cathodic IMPs