Effect of Electrolyte Composition on Protective Properties of the PEO Coating on Zr–1Nb Zirconium Alloy

Resumo

The paper deals with the effect of the electrolyte composition on the protective properties of the PEO-coating on the Zr–1Nb zirconium alloy. To assess the functional properties of the coatings and their topography and microstructure, elemental and phase contents are studied and electrochemical and accelerated operational tests are performed to identify the most efficient electrolyte. It is found that the coatings obtained in the silicate-phosphate electrolyte exhibit the best protective properties.