Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5366000 | Applied Surface Science | 2007 | 7 Pages |
Microarc oxidation coatings on AM60B magnesium alloy were prepared in silicate and phosphate electrolytes. Structure, composition, mechanical property, tribological, and corrosion resistant characteristics of the coatings was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness analyses, and by ball-on-disc friction and potentiodynamic corrosion testing. It is found that the coating produced from the silicate electrolyte is compact and uniform and is mainly composed of MgO and forsterite Mg2SiO4 phases, while the one formed in phosphate electrolyte is relatively porous and is mainly composed of MgO phase. The thick coating produced from a silicate electrolyte possesses a high hardness and provides a low wear rate (3.55Â ÃÂ 10â5Â mm3/Nm) but a high friction coefficient against Si3N4 ball. A relatively low hardness and friction coefficient while a high wear rate (8.65Â ÃÂ 10â5Â mm3/Nm) is recorded during the testing of the thick coating produced from a phosphate electrolyte. Both of these types of coatings provide effective protection for the corrosion resistance compared with the uncoated magnesium alloy. The coating prepared from the silicate electrolyte demonstrates better corrosion behavior due to the compacter microstructure.