Electrochemical response of ZrO2-incorporated oxide layer on AZ91 Mg alloy processed by plasma electrolytic oxidation

► ZrO2 incorporated magnesium oxide layer was synthesized by the PEO process. ► Incorporation of ZrO2 occurred by electrophoretic interaction and mechanical mixing. ► Corrosion potential and resistance were improved by adding ZrO2 nanoparticles.