Influence of irradiation intensity on corrosion properties of microarc oxidation film on AZ31 magnesium alloy with HIPIB

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of high-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) intensity on the structure and corrosive properties of microarc oxidation (MAO) films on AZ31 magnesium alloy and explore the mechanism for modified anti-corrosion properties of irradiated films. Design/methodology/approach The energy deposited on the coating surface influences the remelting process of the MAO coatings significantly, which was closely related to the intensity of HIPIB; therefore, HIPIB with various intensities of 100-350 A/cm2, was selected to modify the MAO films on AZ31 magnesium alloy. The changes in film structure and phase structure of modified films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) with CuKα, respectively. The corrosive behavior of the MAO films was featured with polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectrum in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution on a PAR 2273 electrochemical workstation. Findings The results clearly show that a dense, continual and remelted layer with a few micrometers in thickness was obtained on the irradiated surface at 200 A/cm2, which are mainly responsible for the modified and optimal anti-corrosion property of MAO films by suppressing/retarding the process of the corrosive electrolyte infiltration into magnesium substrate surface. Originality/value The paper reveals that HIPIB irradiation could modify the corrosion resistance by producing a remelted compact layer on the MAO film surface at a suitable irradiation parameter and explored the modified mechanism of MAO films.