Plasma Coatings on Aluminium-Silicon Alloy Surfaces

Plasma oxidation, similarly to anodic oxidation (anodizing), are classified as electrochemical surface treatment of metals such as Al, Mg, Ti and their alloys. This type of treatment is used to make surface of castings, plastically processed products, shaped with incremental methods to suitable for certain requirements. The most important role of the micro plasma coating is to protect the metal surface against corrosion. It is well known that coating of aluminium alloys containing silicon using anodic oxidation causes significant difficulties. They are linked to the eutectic nature of this alloy and result in a lack of coverage in silicon-related areas. The coating structure in these areas is discontinuous. In order to eliminate this phenomenon, it is required to apply oxidation coatings using the PEO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation) method. It allows a consistent, crystalline coating to be formed. This study presents the mechanical properties of the coatings applied to Al-Si alloy using the PEO method. As part of the testing, the coating thickness, microhardness and scratch resistance were determined. On the basis of the results obtained, it was concluded that the thickness of the coatings complies with the requirements of conventional anodizing. Additionally, microhardness values exceeded the results obtained with standard methods.