Investigation of the protective properties of coatings obtained by microarc oxidation in alkaline electrolyte solutions

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the corrosion properties of oxide coatings compacted with polymers and without compaction. Oxide coatings were obtained on VT1-0 and VT5 titanium alloys under the influence of fast pulsed actions of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process. To form MAO coatings, a pulsed mode of the process was used with an anodic current pulse duration of 250 ± 25 μs; the cathodic current pulse duration of 5 ± 0.5 ms; pause between anodic and cathodic current pulses 250 ± 25 μs; repetition rate of anodic and cathodic pulses 50 ± 0.5 Hz. Alkaline solutions were used as electrolytes. Fluoroplastic and epoxy resin solutions were used to seal the oxide coatings. The obtained MAO coatings have 4.4 – 7.5 % porosity on the VT1-0 alloy and 5.4 – 12.1 % on the VT5 alloy. The average diameter of oxide coating pores varies from 0.1 to 0,5 µm. X-ray phase analysis showed titanium dioxide in anatase and rutile modification in the oxide coatings composition. Tests performed in a 24 % solution of sulfuric acid at 40 and 75°C showed that the coatings on the VT1-0 alloy, both oxide and oxide-polymer, are more corrosion resistant than similar coatings on the VT5 alloy. All types of coatings produced on VT1-0 alloy are corrosion-resistant at a test temperature of 40 °C. Consolidation of MAO coatings with polymeric materials improves corrosion properties.