Influence of nano-SiC on microstructure and property of MAO coating formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy

Abstract Ceramic coating incorporated with nano-SiC was obtained on AZ91D magnesium alloy during MAO by adding nano-SiC into the silicate–aluminate-based composite electrolyte. The microstructure, thickness, phase analysis, element composition and hardness of the coatings were respectively investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), film thickness meter, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy(EDS) and Vickers hardness tester. The wear resistance of Mg alloy and coatings were evaluated by friction and wear apparatus, while the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy and coatings were evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that after adding nano-SiC into the electrolyte, both the striking voltage and final voltage decrease, the size and number of the micropore on the surface of the coating decrease, the thickness and hardness of the coating increase, both the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating raise.