Improvement of corrosion performance of MAO coated AZ31 magnesium alloy by polypropylene post-treatment

In order to improve the corrosion resistance provided by a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy, a polypropylene film was prepared on its surface. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the surfaces of the coatings. The corrosion protective performance of the coatings was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and immersion testing. The results show that the microdefects of the MAO coating can be filled by PP and the corrosion resistance of the AZ31 magnesium alloy is improved greatly.