Study of the incorporation of microparticles in titanium coatings produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)

This research is focused on the analysis of the influence of microparticles (d < 5 mm) of rutile (TiO2) and anatase (TiO2)on the morphology, structure and anti-corrosion properties of PEO coatings on titanium produced in alkaline solution a soda base and sodium metasilicates or nanoclay particles (hydrophilic bentonite, H2Al2O6Si, d < 25 mm).The PEO coatings were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, spectroscopy and energy dispersion (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the samples were characterized electrochemically by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis.The tests carried out showed that the incorporation of TiO2 microparticles into the coatings leads to the formation of thick oxide layers characterized by fine porosity. These coatings provide good resistance to corrosion when samples are exposed to an aggressive sulfuric acid solution.