Scientists from Togliatti State University (TSU) have increased the protective properties of magnesium alloys by more than 40%, opening up new opportunities for mechanical engineering and medicine. The study promises to accelerate the introduction of lightweight and durable materials into production, the university's press service reported.
A group of TSU researchers has developed a method for enhancing the protective coating of magnesium alloys using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and cerium dioxide particles. The technology allows creating a durable ceramic layer that significantly improves the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of the alloy. The results of the work were published in the Russian Journal of Non-Ferrous Metals.
The method is based on micro-arc electrical discharges that form a surface ceramic layer. The main innovation was the addition of cerium dioxide (CeO₂) particles, which almost double the hardness of the coating, increase adhesion to the base alloy by 40%, and increase anti-corrosion protection by more than two times. Scientists emphasize that this allows "actively managing the properties of the coating," rather than simply applying it to the metal.
According to Evgeny Borgardt, a junior researcher at the NIIPT TSU, the development opens the way for using the unique properties of magnesium alloys in real engineering structures operating in extreme conditions.
Magnesium alloys are characterized by high strength and lightness, but are traditionally vulnerable to corrosion and wear. Solving this problem makes them competitive compared to aluminum and titanium materials and opens up opportunities for the aviation, space industry and medicine, where light weight, strength and durability are important.