Facile preparation of wear-resistant and anti-corrosion films on magnesium alloy

Hydrothermal treatment was adopted to address the wear and corrosion problems that are common when using magnesium alloys. Films consisting of magnesium hydroxide and Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) were formed on the AZ31 Mg alloy via hydrothermal treatment in deionised water and an alkaline solution containing aluminium ions, respectively. It was found that the presence of aluminium and hydroxyl ions in the hydrothermal solution significantly promoted LDH formation. Performance testing for the obtained films showed that their tribological properties and corrosion resistance were significantly improved compared to those of the Mg alloy. Furthermore, the film prepared in an alkaline solution containing aluminium ions exhibited a more stable friction coefficient, a lower wear rate, and a superior corrosion resistance, which were associated with the increased LDH content. This study, therefore, presents a facile and promising method for the development of highly wear-resistant and anti-corrosion surfaces for Mg alloys.