Effect of Pr(NO₃)₃ doping on the characteristics of TC4 micro-arc oxidation coatings

Abstract

Micro-arc oxidation coatings were prepared on the surface of TC4 by adding different contents of rare-earth compound Pr(NO3)3 to the aluminate and phosphate-based electrolyte. The results showed that the change in oxidation voltage increased at first and then decreased with the raised of Pr(NO3)3 addition. At 0.05 g L−1, the oxidation voltage reached the maximum, the number of discharge micropores decreased, while the size increased, the thickness and hardness of the coatings reached the peak values. The coatings mainly included Al2TiO5, anatase, γ-Al2O3 and a little of Pr2O3. Pr(NO3)3-doped coatings showed excellent corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl electrochemical workstation and oilfield simulation fluid containing 5% NaCl, and the corrosion resistance of the coatings reached the best at 0.05 g L−1.