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.

Photocatalysts of Cr Doped TiO2 Film Prepared by Micro Arc Oxidation

A series of Cr doped TiO2 films were prepared by micro arc oxidation （MAO） using an electrolyte of Na3PO4＋K2Cr2O7. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the films mainly consisted of anatase phase with a porous surface morphology. The films have an excellent photocatalytic effect for degradation of methylene blue and decomposition of water under visible light illumination. This arises from the formation of Cr3＋/Cr4＋ and oxygen vacancy energy levels owing to Cr doping. The former reduces the electron-hole recombination chance, while the latter generates a new gap between the conduction band （CB） and valence band （VB） of TiO2, which lowers the photo energy of the excited electron in the VB to the oxygen vacancy states. The mechanisms for film synthesis during the MAO process are also presented.

Effect of micro arc oxidation treatment on localized corrosion behaviour of AA7075 aluminum alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution

Alumina coating was formed on AA7075 aluminum alloy by micro arc oxidation（MAO） method and its corrosion and stress corrosion cracking（SCC） behaviors were examined in 3.5%（mass fraction） NaCl solution.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS） was used to evaluate the degradation of the coating as a function of immersion time and was modeled with appropriate equivalent circuits.Constant load stress corrosion cracking（SCC） results followed by post-test metallographic observations demonstrated the usefulness of MAO coating to avoid the premature failure of the alloy due to severe localized corrosion initiated by Cu-and Fe-rich intermetallic phases.

The effect of pulse frequency on the electrochemical properties of micro arc oxidation coatings formed on magnesium alloy

Micro arc oxidation(MAO)coatings were formed on magnesium alloy AZ31B to improve the corrosion resistance using environmental friendly electrolyte solution under single-polar pulse power supply.The effect of electrical parameters of pulse frequency on the coating performance was studied at frequencies of 2.5 Hz,25 Hz and 250 Hz.The coating performance at different frequencies was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)and potentiodynamic polarization testing method.It was found that the corrosion resistance of the MAO coatings was improved when increasing the pulse frequencies from 2.5 Hz to 250 Hz.The corrosion current in 250 Hz case decreased by three orders of magnitude as compared with bare Mg alloy and the corrosion impedance also increased remarkably,means significantly enhanced corrosion resistance than bare Mg alloy.The results give us more insight in the optimization of electrical parameters to improve the MAO coating performance.The MAO technology is attractive for application on magnesium and other light alloys for surface protection in automotive and space industries.

Microstructure and Properties of Graphene Oxide-doped TiO_2 Coating on Titanium by Micro Arc Oxidation

Micro arc oxidation(MAO) coatings doped with graphene oxide(GO) were prepared on pure titanium by adding GO and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate(SDBS) into a sodium silicate solution. The as-deposited coatings were comparatively analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The binding forces of the MAO, MAO+GO and MAO+GO+SDBS three coatings were measured by a scratch tester. The mechanical property of the three coatings was analyzed using the nano-indentation technique. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was tested by the electrochemical system in 3.5% NaCl solution. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was evaluated by determining the degradation of methylene blue(MB) solution. The results showed that compared to the MAO coating, the morphologies and phase compositions of MAO+GO and MAO+GO+SDBS composite coatings were significantly different. These two composite coatings all had superior photocatalytic activity. Especially, the MAO+GO composite coating still had enhanced binding force and excellent corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the relationship between the microstructure and the properties of these three MAO coatings was analyzed.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Characterization of bioactive ceramic coatings prepared on titanium implants by micro-arc oxidation

Micro-arc oxidation （MAO） is an enhanced chemical technology in an electrolyte medium to obtain coating structures on valve-metal surfaces. Titanium oxide films obtained by MAO in the sodium phosphate electrolyte were investigated. The films were composed mainly of TiO2 phases in the form of anatase and mille and enriched with Na and P elements at the surface. Their apafite-inducing ability was evaluated in a simulated body fluid （SBF）. When immersing in SBF for over 30 d, a preferential carbonated-hydroxyapatite was formed on the surfaces of the films, which suggests that the MAO-treated titanium has a promising positive biological response.

Micro arc oxidation and electrophoretic deposition effect on damping and sound transmission characteristics of AZ31B magnesium Alloy

Micro arc oxidation(MAO) and electrophoretic deposition(EPD) process are employed to fabricate a dense coating on magnesium alloy to protect it from corrosion in engineering application. The EPD film changes the damping characteristic of magnesium alloy, and both the MAO and EPD process change the bending stiffness of samples being treated. Damping loss factor(DLF) test and sound transmission experiments were carried out for AZ31 B magnesium alloy with coating fabricated by MAO and EPD processes. The results indicate that DLF is improved in frequency range from 0-850 Hz. Bending stiffness of the samples is improved with MAO and EPD treatment. As a result, the sound transmission loss(LST) is improved in the stiffness control stage of the sound transmission verse frequency curve. To the samples by electrophoresis process, the LST is improved in frequency range from 2500-3200 Hz, because the damping loss factor is improved with EPD process. The results are useful for the surface treatment to enhance the damping loss factor, LST and widespread application of magnesium alloy while improving the corrosion resistance.

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.

Preparation and properties of a cerium-containing hydroxyapatite coating on commercially pure titanium by micro-arc oxidation

A porous cerium-containing hydroxyapatite coating on commercially pure titanium was prepared by micro-arc oxidation （MAO） in an electrolytic solution containing calcium acetate, p-glycerol phosphate disodium salt pentahydrate （β-GP）, and cerium nitrate. The thickness, phase, composition morphology, and biocompatibility of the oxide coating were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, electron probe microanalysis （EPMA）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer （EDS）, and cell culture. The thickness of the MAO film is about 15-25 ~tm, and the coating is porous and uneven, without any apparent interface to the titanium substrates. The results of XRD and EDS show that the porous coating is made up of hydroxyapatite （HA） film containing Ce. The favorable osteoblast cell affinity makes the Ce-HA film have a good biocompatibility. The Ce-HA film is expected to have significant medical applications as dental implants and artificial bone joints.

Micro-arc Oxidation Inverter Power Supply Based on the Limited Bipolar Soft-switch Control Method

In order to overcome many limitations of the conventional power supplies, such as ponderosity, big wastage, and simplex output characteristic, a dual-inverter power supply is designed to meet the different requirements of micro-arc oxidation. The main circuit structure and principle of the dual-inverter power supply for micro-arc oxidation is described, the control system and the control adjustment method are also introduced. The dual-inverter technology is adopted in micro-arc oxidation power supply. The limited bipolar control mode is applied in the power inverter circuit for adjusting the voltage, and various voltage waveform can be obtained by controlling the chopper circuit. Meanwhile, the control accuracy and response speed are improved greatly because of the higher inverter frequency. The power supply can output direct current（DC） waveform, DC pulse waveform, symmetry alternating current（AC） waveform, asymmetry AC waveform, and so on. Besides, the parameters such as pulse width, range, frequency, duty cycle can be adjusted. The experimental result shows that the power supply has many advantages, such as stable output, wonderful waveform consistency and obvious advantage in technique, and it can meet the requirements of micro-arc oxidation process fully.

Tribological properties of solid lubricating film/microarc oxidation coating on Al alloys

A process for preparation of solid lubricating films on micro-arc oxidation(MAO) coating was introduced to provide self-lubricating and wear-resistant multilayer coatings for aluminum alloys. The friction and wear behavior of various burnished and bonded solid lubricating films on the as-deposited and polished micro-arc oxidation coatings sliding against steel and ceramic counterparts was evaluated with a Timken tester and a reciprocating friction and wear tester, respectively. The burnished and bonded solid lubricating films on the polished micro-arc oxidation coatings are superior to the as-deposited ones in terms of the wear resistant behavior, because they lead to strengthened interfacial adhesion between the soft lubricating top-film and the hard polished MAO sub-coating, which helps increase the wear resistance of the solid lubricating film on multilayer coating. Thus the multilayer coatings are potential candidates as self-lubricating and wear-resistant coatings for Al alloy parts in engineering applications.

Influence of Electrolyte Composition on the Calcium-Phosphorus compound Coating on Titanium Substrate by Micro-arc Oxidation

The compound bioceramic coating containing calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) on titanium alloy substrate was prepared by means of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment. The results show that under the different electrolyte the coating with the color of gray or black and surface morphology of cauliflower or honeycomb, where Ca content and P contain can attain 30% and 20% respectively, can be obtained. Meanwhile, the influences of electrolyte temperature, current density and discharge time on morphology and thickness of coating are also discussed here.

Synthesis of tetragonal BaTiO_3 film on Ti substrate by micro-arc oxidation

BaTiO3 films on Ti substrate were fabricated by alternative current(AC) and direct current(DC) micro arc oxidation (MAO).Microstructures of films were investigated by means of SEM,XRD and TEM.The results show that the amorphous phase and primitive cubic phase are the main phases in the films prepared by AC MAO.Even after being annealed at 1 200 ℃ for 8 h,only a few tetragonal phases can be observed in films prepared by AC MAO.However,tetragonal BaTiO3 phase can be produced by DC MAO directly.In the films prepared by DC MAO,a mixture of cubic phase and tetragonal phase is formed.After sparking spacious distribution,sparking duration and temperature gradient near sparking sites were taken into account,and a mechanism of synthesis of tetragonal BaTiO3 phase by DC MAO was proposed.

Effects of increase extent of voltage on wear and corrosion resistance of micro-arc oxidation coatings on AZ91D alloy

The effects of increase extent of voltage on the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of micro-arc oxidation(MAO) coatings on AZ91D magnesium alloy were investigated in silicate electrolyte.The results show that with increasing extent of voltage, both of the thickness and bonding force of MAO coatings first increase,and then decrease.These parameters are all up to their maximum values when the increase extent of voltage is 20 V.The roughness of the coatings always increases.The coating has the best corrosion resistance when the increase extent of voltage is not below 25 V,and the coating has the best wear resistance when the increase extent of voltage is 10 V.The wear mechanisms for the micro-arc oxidation are abrasive wear and micromachining wear. These are related to their microstructures.