An investigation into the mechanical and tribological properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation and hard-anodized coatings on 6082 aluminum alloy

► Mechanical properties of PEO and anodised coatings were studied using ultra-micro hardness tester. ► Elastic modulus and hardness of the PEO coating were found much higher than those of the anodised coating. ► Improved sliding wear of PEO coating is due to presence of hard α and γ-Al2O3 phases.