The corrosion performances of pure Zn and Zn-0.4Mn alloy exposed in marine environment (Qingdao, east of China) have been studied after exposure for three years. Pitting corrosion occurs on both pure Zn and Zn-0.4Mn with fewer and smaller pits on Zn-0.4Mn alloy as revealed by confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM), which indicates that the addition of Mn can reduce the localized corrosion of Zn. Corrosion products formed on pure Zn and Zn-0.4Mn have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). The main crystalline phases identified by XRD are Zn-5(CO3)(2)(OH)(6), Zn4O4(OH)(6) and NaZn4Cl(OH)(6)SO4 center dot 6H(2)O. respectively. Small amounts of ZnO and Zn(OH)(2) are also found which mainly present on top surface of corrosion films as revealed by XPS. Combined results of XRD and EPMA disclose that Zn4SO4(OH)(6) and NaZn4Cl(OH)(6)SO4 center dot 6H(2)O are the main compounds inside the pits with Zn4SO4(OH)(6) locating at the pit bottom. The formation mechanism of corrosion products inside pits and the role of small Mn addition on localized corrosion of Zn have been discussed. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.