Surfaces and Interfaces
2022
MgO-based ceramic layers were in-situ synthesized on a novel Mg-based substrate via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). To investigate the effects of electrolyte composition on the morphological characteristics of the obtained layers, three different ion arrangements were applied. Morphological investigations via scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis were carried out on both the surfaces and cross-sections of the ceramic coatings. Results indicated that the silicate-based electrolyte yields morphologically inhomogeneous coating with small porosities. However, using the phosphate-based electrolytes was found to result in improved outcomes. Finally, it was shown that introducing the Ca2+ ions into the phosphate-based electrolyte not only removes any elemental/morphological heterogeneities in the PEO coating but also provides a ceramic layer with homogenous thickness distribution. However …