A grey relational analysis of the micro arc oxidation process parameters and their effects on Ti-6Al-7Nb coating performance and corrosion resistance for biomedical uses

In current investigation micro arc oxidation of Ti6Al7Nb alloy was done to improve its surface properties and corrosion resistance. Mixture of Na2SiO3, Na3PO412H2O and KOH is used as electrolyte. MAO treated Ti6Al7Nb specimens were examined using x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their morphology and phase composition. It was observed that electrolyte composition is simultaneously included in the growing oxide layer during MAO process. From electrochemical study it was found that corrosion resistance of the Ti6Al7Nb increases during EIS testing in 0.9% NaCl solution. It was found that frequency, duty cycle, current and processing time effect the surface roughness, thickness, hardness and corrosion resistance of coating. Out of above mention parameters frequency and duty cycle has major impact on performance parameters. The objective of current investigation is to find out effects MAO process parameters on coating performance parameters such as coating thickness, hardness, surface roughness and corrosion resistance. At duty cycle of 50%, frequency 500 Hz, current 300 mA and processing duration 7.5 min, highest coating thickness 32.96 mu m and surface roughness 3.3680 mu m was obtained. Process parameters have the influence on pore size, biggest average pore size 3.8519 mu m was obtained at duty cycle of 50%, frequency 500 Hz, current 300 mA and processing duration 7.5 min. Grey relational analysis is done to determine which process variable has the most influence on performance parameters. From grey relational analysis technique, it was observed that duty cycle 50%, frequency 500 Hz, current 300 mA, and processing time 7.5 min are ideal process parameters for higher coating thickness, hardness, surface roughness and better corrosion resistance. From grey relation analysis it was also found that frequency has most significant impact on performance parameters after that duty cycle, then current and at last processing time.