Evaluation of the Quality of Coatings Deposited on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Using the Anodising Method / Ocena Jakości Powłok Wykonanych Na Stopie Magnezu Az31 Metodą Anodowania

Abstract

The paper presents results of a study on the quality of coatings deposited on surfaces of AZ31 magnesium alloy products. In order to obtain protective coatings (corrosion and erosive wear protection), the methods of anodising (specimens A, B and C) and, for comparison, electroless plating (specimen D) were applied. The assessment of coating quality was based on the scratch test results. The results were used for determination of critical loads resulting in coating rupture. The best result was obtained for the specimen B (sulphuric acid anodising in combination with sealing): the critical load was 7.5 N. The smallest value (5.5 N) was observed for the specimen D, i.e. the coating produced using the electroless plating method. Moreover, erosion resistance of the coatings was assessed. In this case, a depth of the wear trace due to an erodent agent (SiC powder) effects was investigated. The results are comparable to those obtained in the scratch test. The poorest erosion resistance is demonstrated by the coating D and the best resistance is observed for the coating B.

Keywords

• magnesium alloys
• protective coatings
• anodising
• scratch test
• erosion testing