Effect of electrolyte on mechanical properties of AZ31B Mg alloy in electrolytic plasma processing

Coatings on Mg alloys were prepared using NaOH + Na₂SiO₃ as basic electrolyte containing electrolyte of Na₂SiF₆ or NaF. EPP treatment was carried out on AZ31 Mg alloys matrix under a hybrid voltage of AC of 200 V combined with DC of 260 V for 30 min. Structural and morphological analyses of ceramic coatings were analyzed by XRD and SEM. Wear and hardness of coatings were measured by pin-on disk test and Vickers hardness test. The coatings formed in Na₂SiF₆ and NaF electrolytes were mainly composed of MgO and Mg₂SiO₄. The measured micro-hardness of coating formed in Na₂SiF₆ electrolyte was found to be over HV 1100, while, coating formed in NaF electrolyte possessed micro-hardness of HV ～900. These results show that the mechanical properties of AZ31B Mg alloys can be enhanced by the proper selection of electrolyte agent.