Effect of polarizing signal duty cycle on the composition, morphology, and protective properties of PEO coatings on AMg3 aluminum alloy

Abstract

This paper presents a study aimed at assessing the effect of polarizing signal duty cycle D in the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process on the composition, morphology, and protective properties of coatings produced on AMg3 aluminum alloy in a tartrate-containing electrolyte. It is shown that increasing the duty cycle of a short-pulse (τ = 5 μs) polarizing signal leads to a decrease in the porosity of the growing PEO layers. This, in turn, improves the protective properties and surface strength of the alloy. The pulse duty cycle influences the chemical composition and thickness of the growing oxide coatings.