Structure and Properties of Composite Coatings with Zro2 and Tio2 Particles After Lehceb Treatment

The paper presents the comprehensive analysis of the structure, properties, and corrosion of micro-arc coatings with ZrO 2 and TiO 2 particles after the low-energy high-current electron beam (LEHCEB) treatment. The coating morphology, microstructure, phase and elemental compositions are investigated by the scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. After the LEHCEB treatment, the coating structure with ZrO 2 particles changes from friable and porous to denser with closed spheroidal pores. It is shown that the adhesive strength of the coating with ZrO 2 particles increases with the critical load growth from 10 to 18 N. Moreover, the treatment enhances its corrosion resistance, as evidenced by a reduction in the corrosion current from 7.48∙10 –7 to 1.05∙10 –8 A/cm 2 and an increase in polarization resistance from 0.9·10 4 to 5.77∙10 6 Ω·cm 2 . In contrast, the coatings with TiO 2 particles exhibit a more porous structure due to the volatilization of low-melting components (sodium silicates), as evidenced by a reduction in the concentration of Na and Si elements in their composition. The adhesive strength and corrosion resistance of the coatings with TiO 2 particles deteriorate after the treatment.