Preparation and characterization of oxide films containing crystalline TiO2 on magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation

Oxide films have been produced on AM60B magnesium alloy using plasma electrolytic oxidation process in an alkaline phosphate electrolyte with and without addition of titania sol. The microstructure and composition of the oxide films were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscope (XPS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistances of the oxide films were evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. It is found that the oxide film containing crystalline rutile and anatase TiO₂ compounds are produced in an alkaline phosphate electrolyte with addition of titania sol. The oxide film formed in electrolyte with addition of titania sol has more uniform morphology with less structural imperfections than that formed in electrolyte without addition of titania sol. The results of potentiodynamic polarization analysis show that the oxide film formed in the present modified electrolyte is successful in providing superior corrosion resistance for magnesium alloy.