The effect of the electrolyte composition on the microstructure and properties of coatings formed on a titanium substrate by microarc oxidation

<abstract> <p>This article is dedicated to investigating the impact of different electrolyte compositions on the development of titanium coatings endowed with superior mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties. An experimental analysis was conducted on three distinct electrolyte formulations, each contributing unique attributes to the coating's structural formation. Advanced analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, hardness testing, wear resistance evaluation, and corrosion trials in harsh environments, were employed to gauge the mechanical, tribological, and anti-corrosive performance of the coatings. The utilization of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray structural analysis, and additional methodologies enabled an in-depth characterization of the microstructure and elucidated the relationship between the physico-mechanical properties and the electrolyte's chemical makeup. Among the electrolytes examined, the composition containing potassium hydroxide emerged as superior, fostering coatings with a distinctively porous structure that augment mechanical attributes. A considerable degree of porosity coupled with relatively small pore dimensions suggests the potential to engineer structures that exhibit optimal mechanical robustness. Furthermore, research findings related to this specific electrolyte composition revealed enhancements in the friction coefficient and wear resistance, indicating its promising prospects for tribological applications. The study also meticulously addressed the corrosion aspects, revealing that the microarc oxidation-derived coatings substantially improve corrosion resistance by offering more favorable potentials and currents than the bare titanium substrate. The efficacy of microarc oxidation as an avant-garde technique to advance the properties of titanium alloys underscores its prospective utility and practical relevance in contemporary industrial applications.</p> </abstract>