Effects of Oxidation Time on Micro-arc Oxidized Coatings of Magnesium Alloy AZ91D in Aluminate Solution

Micro-arc oxidation coatings were prepared on magnesium alloy AZ91D at different oxidation times in aluminate solution. The effects of the oxidation time on the microstructure, growth rate and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated. The results indicate that the coatings are uniform in thickness and mainly composed of MgAl₂O₄ and MgO. There were many residual discharging channels on the coatings surface. The coatings improved the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy AZ91D considerably. With increased oxidation time, the crystalline substances content and thickness of the coatings increased, while the growth rate of the coatings decreased, and the resulting coatings surface had lower porosity and larger pore sizes. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the coatings on magnesium alloy AZ91D surfaces is superior to the magnesium alloy AZ91D substrate in the NaCl solution, and the effect is more remarkable with longer oxidation times.