The growth characteristics of oxide ceramic films formed on AZ31 magnesium alloy with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique in alkaline silicate solution were investigated. The composition, structure and morphology of the coatings were detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and scanning electron microscope. The amount of dissolved magnesium in the electrolytes during PEO process was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that the growth process of PEO films had three stages when applied with constant voltage mode. In the first stage, the growth rate of PEO films was low, and concentrations of elements O, Mg and Si varied slightly. After sparking occurred (the second stage), the PEO films showed higher growth rate due to the high transfer rate of ions and electrons, and the existence of plasma reactions. When the growth rate tended to maintain stable with time, the third stage happened. PEO films exhibited different uniform and pitting-corrosion characteristics in different reaction stages. The films formed at 300 V for 30 min performed best corrosion resistance and the phase of ceramic films was mainly composed of MgSiO3 and forsterite Mg2SiO4.
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