Properties of oxide-silane composite coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy

Various oxide films have been grown on AZ31 magnesium alloy by microarc oxidation in alkaline phosphate solution with addition of different compounds (Na₂SiO₃, NaAlO₂). Because of the anodic oxide porosity, arising from the sparking treatment, organo-functional silane coatings have been applied to seal pores and cracks and achieve a more effective protective system. The surface and cross-section morphologies of the anodic films were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction. Bare and anodised AZ31 specimens were post-treated with silanes, namely N-phenil-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and Bis (trimethoxysilylethyl) benzene. The corrosion resistance of anodic oxides and oxide-silane composite coatings was evaluated in dilute Harrison solution by means of single-cycle anodic polarisation. The results showed that the addition of different salts to the alkaline phosphate solution affects the surface morphology and the phase composition of the coatings and, as a consequence, the corrosion resistance behaviour. Both silane post-treatments provide further corrosion protection to samples anodised in aluminate containing solution.