A study on microstructure and corrosion resistance of ZrO2-containing PEO coatings formed on AZ31 Mg alloy in phosphate-based electrolyte

- PEO coatings were formed in K2ZrF6-containing electrolyte.
- K2ZrF6 is capable to optimize the microstructure of PEO coating.
- Corrosion resistance of PEO coatings is effected by K2ZrF6 concentration in the electrolyte.
- Potentiodynamic polarization results are well matched with the EIS test results.
- Long time immersion test confirmed the electrochemical results.