Effect of PEO-modes on the electrochemical and mechanical properties of coatings on MA8 magnesium alloy

Protective surface layers with a high corrosion stability and significant microhardness as compared to the substrate material were obtained on MA8 magnesium alloy by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) in a silicate-fluoride electrolyte. The phase and elemental composition of the coatings were investigated. It was found that the application of the bipolar PEO-modes enables one to synthesize on the alloy's surface a high-temperature phase of magnesium silicate, forsterite (Mg2SiO4) having a good anticorrosion and mechanical properties.