Characteristics of the Anodic Films on an AZ91D Mg Alloy Prepared by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation and Burning Surface Treatment

Magnesium (and its alloys) is of considerable interest as a structural material, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries thanks to its low density. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a promising novel process for forming ceramic-like coatings with a thickness ranging from tens to hundreds of microns on light metals (Al, Mg, and Ti) and their alloys for corrosion protection, wear resistance, biomimetic and thermal barrier properties. The AZ91D magnesium alloys with and without treatment by PEO was investigated by reflectance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements.