Improvement of wear and cavitation–erosion by ALD-deposited LiAlxOy films on an Mg–10Li–0.5Zn alloy

LiAlxOy films with thicknesses of 65–200 nm were deposited by the ALD technique on an Mg–10Li–0.5Zn alloy. The ALD-deposited LiAlxOy films have an amorphous structure and exhibit properties of low friction coefficient, high hardness/elastic (H/E) ratio, strong adhesion, smooth surface roughness and conformable coverage. These excellent properties of ALD-deposited LiAlxOy films can significantly improve the wear performance and cavitation–erosion resistance of Mg–10Li–0.5Zn alloy.