Short Review on Micro-Arc Oxidation Layers on Aluminum Alloys

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings have several advantages for example: expanded surface zone, important process mechanical properties, optical properties, biomedical gadgets, or aviation components. MAO can be applied for surface treatment which can be used to obtain useful coatings on metals and alloys. The process consists in applying a high voltage electrical trigger to the substrate. This makes a plasma that connected with the surface of the substrate, making a thick coating. MAO coatings are commonly composed of a blend of oxides, hydroxides, and other compounds. Coating structure is affected by several components, tallying voltage, current characteristic, electrolyte composition and planning time. MAO coatings can be used to create surfaces with wear resistance and optical properties such as anti-reflective properties, while also being anti-corrosion and self-cleaning. This makes MAO a promising innovation for a huge range of applications. Our article presents the experimental studies involving MAO with different electrolytes at certain parameters. The obtained layers present very good corrosion properties were obtained on aluminum metals but also on their alloys that can also be applied in the automotive industry.