Effect of PEO power modes on structure and corrosion resistance of ceramic coatings on AZ91D Mg alloy

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of different power modes [constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV) and constant power (CP)] on the structure and corrosion resistance of the plasma electrolytic oxidation ceramic coatings containing Ca and P on AZ91D Mg alloy. The phase composition, morphology and element distribution of the coatings were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance of the coatings in the simulated body fluid was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarisation curve methods. The results showed that the coatings were of porous structure and mainly composed of MgO. The thickness, surface roughness, the size of the surface micropores and the amount of MgO were all increased with the cell voltage under the same power mode or increased in the sequence CV>CC>CP under the different power modes. The corrosion resistance of coatings was related to the structure characteristics, which were determined by different power modes. Among the different power modes, the corrosion resistance of the coatings is generally increased in the sequence CV>CP>CC, and under the same mode, the proper increase in the cell voltage is liable for improving the corrosion resistance of the coatings.