Microstructural and corrosion properties of particles-containing PEO coatings

The Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation treatment (PEO, sometimes also called MAO, Micro Arc Oxidation) has recently attracted great attention due to its capability to create a thick and adherent coating with excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Some of the main characteristics of PEO coatings are the high porosity of the outer layer and the possibility to incorporate directly into the coating particles that are dispersed into the electrolyte. This work will describe the results obtained by inserting metallic and non-metallic particles in PEO coatings produced on magnesium and aluminum alloys. In particular, nano-particles of graphite have been inserted in order to improve the wear resistance and metal particles (copper or silver) in order to give to the samples bactericidal, fungicidal or antifouling properties.