Effects of graphene oxide addition on wear behaviour of composite coatings fabricated by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on AZ91 magnesium alloy

Graphene oxide (GO) integrated composite coatings were deposited on AZ91 magnesium alloys by the PEO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation) and the treatment which has a post-PEO hydrothermal process. For the first group samples, PEO was performed in the silicate/phosphate-based electrolyte including 5–10 µm in size the GO particles synthesized using the Tour Method. For the second group samples, after PEO treatment, the post-PEO hydrothermal process was carried out in the oven in the GO-distilled water mixture containing GO produced with the same protocol. The effects of GO on wear behavior, structural and morphological features of composite coatings were examined with a pin-on-disc tribometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the addition of GO improved significantly the adhesion to the substrate material of composite coatings, increased the coating thickness and hardness. Post-PEO hydrothermal process resulted in the formation of partial a thin solid lubricant GO film on the surface of composite coatings and thus exhibited the best wear and friction resistance.