Damping properties of a novel porous Mg–Al alloy coating prepared by arc ion plating

• Porous Mg–Al alloy coating.
• The damping properties of Mg–Al alloy coating.
• Large modulus difference between the coating and substrate.
• The feasibility of using Mg–Al alloy coating for the damping application.

Hard coatings, such as metallic and ceramic coatings, are practical to reduce vibration in aircraft. A novel porous Mg–Al alloy coating was prepared by arc ion plating with D.C. bias on substrate. The composition, surface morphology and structure properties of coating were characterized. The binding strength, elastic modulus and micro hardness were also examined. The damping properties of coated samples were characterized by damping capacity (Q− 1). The results showed that Mg–Al alloy coating was composed of Mg, Al0.58Mg0.42 and Al12Mg17 phases. The coating was porous and was able to improve the substrate's damping performance. Therefore, it is feasible for the Mg–Al alloy coating to be used as damping treatments.