TEM Analysis on Micro-Arc Oxide Coating on the Surface of Magnesium Alloy

By micro-arc oxidation (MAO), the oxide coatings were prepared on the surface of magnesium alloys in a composite electrolytic solution. The microstructures of the coating layer and the interface between coating and substrate were analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oxide coating consists of two layers (the outer and the inner layer). Although both layers are composed of microcrystalline MgO and amorphous phase, the inner layer is more compact and rich in fluorine with a thickness of about 1-2 μm. Fluorine plays an important role in the inner dense layer formation. The inner layer, like a barrier wall, blocks the thickness of the oxide coating to increase and improves corrosion resistance. The formation mechanism of the inner layer is also discussed.