Surface Heat Treatment of Magnesium Alloys by Plasma Electrolysis from Phosphate Electrolytic Solution

Abstract

This study examined the possibility of surface heat treatment by the plasma electrolysis from phosphate electrolytic solution on magnesium alloys. Effects of the anodic plasma electrolysis onto various AZ series magnesium alloys on the mechanical properties and microstructure were examined.
The tensile test revealed that the anodic electrolytic treatment at final bias voltage from 250 V to 400 V influenced the tensile strength. The tensile strength of AZ61 and AZ91D substrate after anodic electrolytic treatment increased or decreased, and this change of tensile strength is attributable to the precipitation of intermetallic compound (β phase, Mg₁₇Al₁₂) as sparks occurred due to dielectric breakdown during anodic electrolysis. These results demonstrate the utility of this electrolytic treatment on AZ61 and AZ91D magnesium alloys.