Phase composition of coatings on the D16 alloy during micro-arc oxdation in alkaline and silicate electrolytes

Abstract

Goal. The influence of electrolysis conditions at different electrolyte compositions on the phase formation of coatings obtained by micro-arc oxidation (MDO) on an aluminum alloy D16 was studied. Method. For electrolysis, two types of electrolytes were used: alkaline electrolyte (solution (KOH) in distilled water), silicate electrolyte (with different percentages of Na2SiO3 component). Research results. It was found that the phase composition of the MAO coatings obtained in an alkaline (KOH) electrolyte mainly consists of γ - Al2O3 phases and, to a much lesser extent, the α-Al2O3 phases. An increase in the KOH concentration leads to a shift in the γ – Al2O3 → α – Al2O3 polymorphic reaction toward the formation of the hardest α-Al2O3 phase (corundum). The formation of the preferred orientation of the growth of crystallites of γ – Al2O3 and α – Al2O3 phases during their formation in an alkaline electrolyte was not detected. Scientific novelty. A significant influence on the mechanism and processes of coating formation is made by the addition of liquid glass (Na2SiO3) in the electrolyte. In this case, the growth rate of the coating increases significantly, but the size of the ordering regions decreases from crystalline to X-ray amorphous. The phase composition of the MAO coatings, when they are formed in a silicate electrolyte, varies from a mixture of the γ - Al2O3 phase and mullite (3Al2O3 • 2SiO2) with a low content of liquid glass (10 g/l Na2SiO3) to the formation of only the X-ray amorphous phase with a high content of liquid glass in the electrolyte (50 g/l Na2SiO3). Practical significance. It was concluded that the use of an alkaline or silicate electrolyte with different percentages allows a wide variation of both the phase composition and structural state (α- Al2O3 and γ- Al2O3 phases, mullite (3Al2O3 • 2SiO2) or X-ray amorphous state) and the kinetics of growth the coating itself.