Formation and properties of composite nanostructured PEO-coatings on metals and alloys

Abstract

Results of investigation of the incorporation of zirconia and titanium nitride nanoparticles into the coatings formed on magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation are presented. Comprehensive research of electrochemical and mechanical properties of obtained coatings was carried out. It was established that the polarization resistance of the samples with a coating containing zirconia nanoparticles is in two fold higher than for the sample with base PEO-coating. One of the important reasons for improving the protective properties of coatings formed in electrolytes containing nanoparticles consists in enhanced morphological characteristics, in particular, the porosity decrease and increase of thickness and resistivity of porousless sublayer in comparison with base PEO-layer. Incorporation of zirconia and titanium nitride particles into the coating increases the mechanical performances. The coating containing nanoparticles have greater hardness and are more wear resistant in comparison with the coatings formed in the electrolyte without nanoparticle.