Anodic oxidation and silane treatment for corrosion protection of AM60B magnesium alloy

Oxide films have been produced on AM6OB magnesium alloy using micro-arc oxidation process in an environmentally friendly alkaline solution with and without addition of different oxides nanoparticles (TiO2, ZrO2 and Al2O3). In order to seal the oxides porosity generated in the sparking process, a silane-based top coat has been applied. The surface morphology of samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Scratch tests were performed for evaluating the adhesion strength of the anodic oxides. The corrosion resistance of the oxide- silane- based topcoat composite coatings was evaluated in 3.5% NaCl solution using anodic polarization tests. The anodizing in oxides nanoparticles rich solutions (ZrO2 or Al2O3), followed by a silane top coat treatment performed using OSi as precursor, is an interesting way to synthesize adherent corrosion resistant coatings on magnesium alloy AM60B.