Preparation and characterization of graphite-dispersed styrene-acrylic emulsion composite coating on magnesium alloy

► Electrically conductive composite coating is formed on Mg alloy by anodic deposition. ► The composite coating consists mainly of graphite-dispersed styrene-acrylic emulsion. ► The deposition process of the composite coating on Mg alloy is proposed. ► The composite coating provides superior corrosion resistance to Mg alloy.