Effects of Additives on the Microstructure and Tribology Performance of Ta-12W Alloy Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating

Oxide ceramic coatings were fabricated on tantalum alloys by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to improve their hardness and tribological properties. The MAO coatings were manufactured in a mixed silicatephosphate electrolyte containing NaF and/or EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). The surface morphology,cross-sectional view, chemical composition, hardness, and wear performance of the coatings were analysed. As revealed by the scanning electron microscopy, silica-rich nodules appear on the MAO coating obtained in the silicate-phosphate electrolyte, but the formation of nodules is inhibited with NaF and/or EDTA in the electrolyte.Also, they reduce the roughness and improve the compactness of the coatings, which are composed of Ta_(2)O_(5),(Ta, O), and TaO. A thick and hard coating is obtained in the NaF-containing electrolyte, and the tribology performance is effectively improved. With additives, the nodule structure is detached from the coating surface and dissolved in the electrolyte. By using NaF as an electrolyte additive, the abrasion performance of the MAO coating is enhanced by decreasing the nodule structure, increasing the size of micropores, and improving the coating hardness.

Corrosion resistance and mechanisms of smart micro-arc oxidation/epoxy resin coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy: Strategic positioning of nanocontainers

Smart micro-arc oxidation(MAO)/epoxy resin(EP) composite coatings were formed on AZ31 magnesium(Mg) alloy. Mesoporous silica nanocontainers(MSN) encapsulated with sodium benzoate(SB) corrosion inhibitors were strategically incorporated in the MAO micropores and in the top EP layer. The influence of the strategic positioning of the nanocontainers on the corrosion protective performance of coating was investigated. The experimental results and analysis indicated that the superior corrosion resistance of the hybrid coating is ascribed to the protection mechanisms of the nanocontainers. This involves two phenomena:(1) the presence of the nanocontainers in the MAO micropores decreased the distance between MSN@SB and the substrate, demonstrating a low admittance value(^5.18 × 10^(-8)Ω^(-1)), and thus exhibiting significant corrosion inhibition and self-healing function;and(2) the addition of nanocontainers in the top EP layer densified the coating via sealing of the inherent defects, and hence the coating maintained higher resistance even after 90 days of immersion(1.13 × 10^(10)Ω cm^(2)).However, the possibility of corrosion inhibitors located away from the substrate transport to the substrate is reduced, reducing its effective utilization rate. This work demonstrates the importance of the positioning of nanocontainers in the coating for enhanced corrosion resistance,and thereby providing a novel perspective for the design of smart protective coatings through regulating the distribution of nanocontainers in the coatings.

Improved Corrosion Behavior of Biodegradable Mg-4Zn-1Mn Alloy Modified by Sr/F co-doped CaP Micro-arc Oxidation Coatings

The Sr/F co-doped CaP(Sr/F-CaP)coatings were prepared by micro-arc oxidation(MAO)under different voltages to modify the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Mg-4Zn-1Mn alloy.The surface and interface characteristics investigated using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDS)showed that the MAO coatings displayed uneven crater-like holes and tiny cracks under lower voltage,while they exhibited relatively homogeneous crater-like holes without cracks under higher voltage.The thickness of MAO coatings increased with increasing voltage.The corrosion behavior of Mg-4Zn-1Mn alloy was improved by the MAO coatings.The MAO coatings prepared under 450 V and 500 V voltages possessed the best corrosion resistance with regard to the electrochemical corrosion tests and immersion corrosion tests,respectively.The MAO coatings fabricated under 450-500 V could provide a better corrosion protection effect for the substrate.

Investigation of a novel self-sealing pore micro-arc oxidation film on AM60 magnesium alloy

Micro-arc oxidation(MAO)is one of the promising methods to improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys.However,there are plenty of micro-pores in the traditional MAO films,deteriorating their protection property.A novel self-sealing pore MAO film was developed in this paper.The morphologies and chemical composition of the film were detected by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX).The corrosion behavior was investigated by electrochemical and salt spray tests.The possible film formation and corrosion mechanisms were proposed.The self-sealing pore film presents a blue appearance.Most of the micro-pores in the surface of the film are sealed during the film formation process.The chemical composition of the film mainly contains Mg,O,Ti,F and P.The self-sealing pore film exhibits better corrosion resistance compared with the traditional silicate film.Especially,the self-sealing pore film keeps intact after salt spray test for 2000 h,which can be attributed to its high compactness.

Micro-arc oxidation coatings on Mg-Li alloys

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method was used for the surface modification of an Mg-5wt.%Li alloy. Ceramic coatings were in-situ fabricated on the Mg-Li alloy. The morphology feature,phase composition,and corrosion-resistance of the formed ceramic coatings were studied by SEM,XRD,and electrochemical methods,respectively. The results showed that the coatings produced in a sodium silicate solution system were composed of MgO and Mg2SiO4. The ceramic coating became thicker and the content of Mg2SiO4 phase increase...

Research of growth mechanism of ceramic coatings fabricated by micro-arc oxidation on magnesium alloys at high current mode

Micro-arc oxidation(MAO)coatings of ZK60 magnesium alloys were formed in a self-developed dual electrolyte composed of sodium silicate and phosphate at the high constant current of 1.8 A(15 A/dm^(2)).The MAO process and growth mechanism were investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS),confocal laser scanning microscopy and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The results indicate that the growth process of MAO coating mainly goes through“forming→puncturing→rapid growth of micro-arc oxidation→large arc discharge→self-repairing”.The coating grows inward and outward at the same time in the initial stage,but outward growth of the coating is dominant later.Mg,Mg_(2)SiO_(4) and MgO are the main phases of ceramic coating.

Preparation technology and anti-corrosion performances of black ceramic coatings formed by micro-arc oxidation on aluminum alloys

In order to prepare ornamental and anti-corrosive coating on aluminum alloys, preparation technology of black micro-arc ceramic coatings on Al alloys in silicate based electrolyte was studied. The influence of content of Na2WO4 and combination additive in solution on the performance of black ceramic coatings was studied; the anticorrosion performances of black ceramic coatings were evaluated through whole-immersion test and electrochemical method in 3.5% NaCl solution at different pH value; SEM and XRD were used to analyze the surface morphology and phase constitutes of the black ceramic coatings. Experimental results indicated that, without combination additives, with the increasing of Na2WO4 content in the electrolyte, ceramic coating became darker and thicker, but the color was not black; after adding combination additive, the coating turned to be black; the black ceramic coating was multi-hole form in surface. There was a small quantity of tungsten existing in the black ceramic coating beside α-Al2O3 phase and β-Al2O3 phase. And aluminum alloy with black ceramic coating exhibited excellent anti-corrosion property in acid, basic and neutral 3.5% NaCl solution.

Preparation of micro-arc oxidation coatings on magnesium alloy and its thermal shock resistance property

In the NaAlO2-Na2SiO3 compound system, the ceramic coatings were prepared on magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation. The morphology, phase composition, and thermal shock resistance of the ceramic coatings were studied by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and thermal shock tests, respectively. The results showed that the ceramic coating contains MgO, MgAl2O4, as well as a little amount of MgESiO4. The thickness of the ceramic coatings increases with the current density increasing, when the current density is 12 A·dm^-2, the thermal shock resistance of the produced ceramic coating is the best. The hardness of the ceramic coating is up to 10 GPa or so.

Characterization of ceramic coating on ZK60 magnesium alloy prepared in a dual electrolyte system by micro-arc oxidation

Micro-arc oxidation （MAO） process was cartied out in an optimized dual electrolyte system to fabricate a compact, smooth, and corrosion resistant coating on ZK60 Mg alloy. The microstructural characteristics of coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer （EDS） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. Test of mass loss was conducted at a 3.5 % NaCl solution to assess the resistance to corrosion. The bonding strength between the coating and ZK60 substrate was evaluated using scratch experiment. The results reveal that MgA1204 and MgO are the main phases of ceramic coating obtained in the dual electrolyte system. The corrosion rate of coating prepared in the optimized dual electrolyte is only 0.0061 g.m-2.h-1, which demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance. This is mainly due to the compact, uniform coating with high bonding strength.

Optimizing the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) parameters to attain coatings with minimum porosity and maximum hardness on the friction stir welded AA6061 aluminium alloy welds

Micro-arc oxidation(MAO) technique is capable of producing dense oxide films on the aluminium alloy surface. This oxide film protects the aluminium alloy from the corrosion attack for longer duration.Empirical relationships were derived to evaluate the MAO coating properties(porosity and hardness) by incorporating very important MAO parameters(current density, inter-electrode distance and oxidation time). MAO parameters were also optimized to achieve coatings with minimum porosity and maximum hardness. Further, the effect of MAO parameters on coating characteristics was analysed. From the results, it is found that the current density has greater influence on the responses than the other two parameters.

Preparation and corrosion resistance of the micro-arc oxidation coating on Al_2O_3f/ZL109 composites

A ceramic layer was prepared on the surface of Al2O3f/ZL109 composites by means of micro-arc oxidation （MAO） technique. The surface morphology and phase constituent of the ceramic layer were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The polarization curves of the composites before and after MAO treatment were measured and analyzed. The results showed that after Al2O3f/ZL109 composites were treated using MAO technique in silicate solution, the ceramic layer formed, and it was composed of Al, Si, and mullite phase. Al and Si came from Al alloy matrix of the composites, and the mullite phase formed in process of MAO. Al2O3 fiber in the composites affects the electric conductivity of the composites, the MAO reaction is promoted, and the cera- mic layer forming on the composite material side is slightly thicker than that on the Al alloy side. After Al2O3f/ZL109 composites were treated using MAO technique, the corro- sion resistance of the composites is significantly improved.

Fretting wear of micro-arc oxidation coating prepared on Ti6Al4V alloy

Micro-arc oxidation(MAO)coating was prepared on Ti6Al4V alloy surface and its characterizations were detected by Vickers hardness tester,profilometer,scanning electric microscope(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDX)and X-ray diffractometer(XRD).Fretting wear behaviors of the coating and its substrate were comparatively tested without lubrication under varied displacement amplitudes(D)in a range of 3-40μm,constant normal load(Fn)of 300 N and frequency of 5 Hz.The results showed that the MAO coating,presenting rough and porous surface and high hardness,mainly consisted of rutile and anatase TiO2 phases.Compared with the substrate,the MAO coating could shift the mixed fretting regime(MFR)and slip regime(SR)to a direction of smaller displacement amplitude.In the partial slip regime(PSR),lower friction coefficients and slight damage appeared due to the coordination of elastic deformation of contact zones.In the MFR,the friction coefficient of the coating was lower than that of the substrate as a result of the prevention of plastic deformation by the hard ceramic surface.With the increase of the displacement amplitude,the degradation of the MAO coating and the substrate increased extremely.The fretting wear mechanisms of the coating were abrasive wear and delamination with some material transfer of specimen.In addition,the coating presented a better property for alleviating fretting wear.

Evolution of Residual Stresses in Micro-arc Oxidation Ceramic Coatings on 6061 Al Alloy

Most researches on micro-arc oxidation mainly focus on the application rather than discovering the evolution of residual stresses. However, residual stresses in the surface coatings of structural components have adverse effects on their properties, such as fatigue life, dimensional stability and corrosion resistance, etc. The micro-arc oxidation ceramic coatings are produced on the surfaces of 6061 aluminum alloy by a homemade asymmetric AC type of micro-arc oxidation equipment of 20 kW. A constant current density of 4.4___0.1 A/dm2 and a self-regulated composite electrolyte are used. The micro-arc oxidation treatment period ranges from 10 min to 40 min, and the thickness of the ceramic coatings is more than 20 Bin. Residual stresses attributed to 7-A1203 constituent in the coatings at different micro-arc oxidation periods are analyzed by an X-ray diffractometer using the sin2~u method. The analysis results show that the residual stress in the ceramic coatings is compressive in nature, and it increases first and then decreases with micro-arc oxidation time increase. The maximum stress value is 1 667_＋20 MPa for period of 20 min. Through analyzing the coating thickness, surface morphology and phase composition, it is found that the residual stress in the ceramic coatings is linked closely with the coating growth, the phase composition and the micro cracks formed. It is also found that both the heat treatment and the ultrasonic action release remarkably the residual compressive stress. The heat treatment makes the residual compressive stress value decrease 1 378 MPa. The ultrasonic action even alters the nature of the residual stress, making the residual compressive stress change into a residual tensile stress.

Cathodic micro-arc electro-deposition of ZrO_2 coatings in an aqueous solution containing colloidal particles

By a novel technique-cathodic micro-arc electro-deposition (CMED), ZrO_2coatings were deposited on an FeCrAl alloy. Experimental results show that the necessary conditionsfor obtaining ZrO_2 coatings are to apply a pulse peak voltage over a critical value and addmoderate amounts of ZrO_2 colloidal particles and Zr(NO_3)_4 in the aqueous solution. Theas-deposited coatings are porous because hydrogen, water, and other vapors are generated andreleased from the coatings to the solution during the spark reaction. The coatings containmonoclinic and tetragonal crystalline ZrO_2 with certain degree of amorphous structure. Theprocessing parameters and mechanism of CMED were discussed.

Characterization of micro-arc ceramic coatings on Ti-2Al-2.5Zr alloy substrates

Titanium oxide coatings were synthesized on Ti-2Al-2.5Zr alloy substrates by micro-arc oxidation （MAO） technique. The surface features of the coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The micro-arc discharge channels of the Ti-2Al-2.5Zr alloy decrease while the discharge channel size increases clearly with an increase in treating time. With an increase of the coating thickness the porous layer thickness increases apparently. Phase composition of the surface layers of the coatings was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of XRD and XPS analysis show that the MAO coating mainly consists of anatase and rutile TiO2.

Morphologies and Properties of Micro-Arc Oxidation on Plate and Cylinder 2024 Al Alloy

Samples with two different shapes of 2024 aluminum alloy were treated with micro-arc oxidation (MAO), and the formation process and mechanism of oxidation film was analyzed. The results show that different geometrical curvature of the material has an influence upon the uniformity of films and the corrosion-resistance.

Manufacturing a TiAl alloy by high-energy ball milling and subsequent reactive sintering

A TiAl alloy was fabricated by high-energy ball milling and subsequent reactive sintering from the mixed powders of Ti and Al. High-energy ball milling produced a kind of particular composite powders with an extremely fine altemative Ti and Al lamella structure. The composite powders not only possessed good consolidation and densification characteristics, but also resulted in the augment of nucleation rate of α and γ titanium aluminides during solid-phase reactive sintering After a series of processing, pressing, degassing, extrusion, and sintering, the resultant TiAl alloy presented high relative density and refined grain sizes of （α2 ＋ γ） lamella and γ phases. The compressive yield strength of the sintered TiAl reached 600 MPa at 800℃.

Discharge mechanism of ultrasound micro-arc oxidation on magnesium alloy

Magnesium alloy was treated by micro-arc oxidation with ultrasound and the discharge phenomenon was studied. The effect of ultrasound on the discharge life and the number of discharge charges was studied asing high speed photography technique. The results indicate that 60 W power ultrasound increases discharge life of single charge and the total number of discharge charges in one discharge period. The size of micro-pore increases and the number of cracks in coating significantly reduce. The dendritic area with a width of 15 μm in magnesium alloy forms during micro-arc oxidation process. Ultrasound eliminates the dendritic structures of micro-arc oxidation magnesium alloy.

Discharge Characteristic of Micro-Arc Oxidation on Aluminum Alloy under the Changing Electrolyte Temperature

The electrolyte temperature has a great influence on the performance of the coating prepared by micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The behavior of MAO discharge in the changing electrolyte temperature has been investigated. Compared to constant electrolyte temperature in conventional MAO process, the process has different discharge characteristics under the changing electrolyte temperature. The amplitude of pulse voltage was detected to study the change of discharge characteristic under the constant-current control of MAO power supply. Three successive discharge stages were differentiated by the variable the pulse voltage versus process time. Since there were significant changes in the sound, the sound signals were acquired and the audio analysis was used to describe the changing of the MAO discharge at different stages. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed in situ to unveil how the micro-discharge changed with the temperature increasing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the coatings on 6N01 aluminum alloy prepared by normal process with the constant-temperature control of the MAO electrolyte and by the process under the changing electrolyte temperature. A mode of film growth and micro-discharge was given to describe the effects of the changing electrolyte temperature in the whole MAO process.

Quick Surface Treatment of AZ31B by AC Micro-arc Oxidation

In order to explore an effective way to shorten treatment time and enhance the quality of treatment coating, AC micro-arc oxidation was conducted to treat the surface of AZ31 B deformation magnesium alloy in KF＋KOH treatment solution. The infl uences of micro-arc oxidation parameters such as concentration of KF, concentration of KOH, output voltage of booster, temperature of treatment solution, and treatment time on treatment coating thickness were raveled out under different conditions. The structure and composition of treatment coating were determined, the growth mechanism of treatment coating was discussed, and the quick surface treatment technology for compact treatment coating with maximum thickness was developed. The experimental results show that： A maximum 33 μm-thick compact treatment coating, consisting of MgF2 and MgO mainly, can be formed on AZ31 B in 112 s under the conditions of 1 132 g/L KF, 382 g/L KOH, 66 V for output voltage of booster and 34 ℃ of treatment solution which were optimized by a genetic algorithm from the model established by artifi cial neural networks. There are no ＂crater-shaped＂ pores in this treatment coating as the heat shock resulting from the smooth variation of AC sinusoidal voltage is far smaller than that of the rigidly varied DC or pulse current. The treatment time is only one sixth of that adopted in the other surface treatment technology at best, principally for the reason that the coating can always grow irrespective of the electric potential of AZ31 B. This investigation lays a fi rm foundation for the extensive application of magnesium alloy.