Effect of K2TiF6 and Na2B4O7 as electrolyte additives on pore morphology and corrosion properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on ZM21 magnesium alloy

Protection of magnesium alloys from faster degradation in physiological environment is of primary importance in order for them to be used as biodegradable implant materials. Present investigation reports the effect of sodium tetra borate (Na2B4O7·10H2O) and potassium titanium fluoride (K2TiF6) on corrosion behavior of oxide coatings developed on ZM21 magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in Na2SiO3–KOH base electrolyte system. The effect of these additives on the microstructure and corrosion properties of coatings was investigated. The surface morphology and phase composition of these ceramic coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Analysis of pores in the coating was done using a three-dimensional (3D) optical profilometer. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in simulated body fluid (SBF) environment at a pH of 7.4. It was found that the use of additives significantly altered the pore morphology of the coating. Among the PEO treated samples, the coating formed in silicate based electrolyte system containing 2 g/L of Na2B4O7·10H2O showed less porosity and improved corrosion resistance in SBF environment.

► Effect of PEO treatment with different electrolyte additives on ZM21 was studied.
► 3D optical profilometry was used to study pore morphology and depth profiles.
► Depth of pore in the coating decreased by using Na2B4O7 as electrolyte additive.
► Corrosion resistance of ZM21 was improved by using Na2B4O7 as electrolyte additive.