EFFECTS OF AN Al2O3 NANO-ADDITIVE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CERAMIC COATINGS PREPARED WITH MICRO-ARC OXIDATION ON A TITANIUM ALLOY

In this research, nano-sized Al2O3 particles were added to silicate-based coatings and the effect of these particles on the microstructure, composition and properties of the coatings was investigated. The effects of the nano-additive on the structure, phase composition and hardness of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and micro-hardness testing. The SEM showed that the coatings with a nano-additive have lower porosities than those without a nano-additive. XRD results showed that the coatings with nano-additives contain more oxide when compared to those without nano-additives. The results showed that the nanoparticle additions improve the hardness of the MAO coatings.