Surface characteristics of titanium oxide films prepared by micro-arc oxidation: Comparison of direct current electrolysis and pulse electrolysis

Abstract

Oxide layers formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) using direct current electrolysis and pulse electrolysis were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and adhesive strength measurements. Ti oxide films fabricated by pulse electrolysis were found to have a significantly higher adhesive strength than those fabricated by direct current electrolysis. This can be explained by the different interface adhesive strengths between the two Ti oxide layers and the Ti substrate, as revealed by cross-sectional SEM micrographs. In addition, the dependences of the voltage and the current on the electrolysis time were investigated. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.