Creating high-performance bi-functional composite coatings on magnesium−8lithium alloy through electrochemical surface engineering with highly enhanced corrosion and wear protection

Abstract The creation of high-performance bi-functional anti-corrosion/anti-wear coatings on superlight magnesium−lithium (Mg–Li) alloy remains a formidable task in real-life engineering field. In this work, we present a simple method to access coatings on Mg–8Li alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) using different additives, including graphite powders, WS2, and MoS2 nanosheets. The results show that the coating produced with WS2 hold a more compact structure, with the highest water contact angles in different pH conditions, contributing to the substantially enhanced corrosion protection even in long-term immersion. Moreover, bonding strength and wear-resistant testings reveal the significant role of WS2 on anti-wear performance.