Micro-arc oxidation coating was prepared by micro-arc oxidation methods on ZAlSi12Cu2Mg1 alloy in Na2SiO3 electrolytes. Effects of Ce concentration in the electrolyte on electrical conductivity

positive/negative current during micro-arc oxidation process and coating properties were investigated. The results reveal that with increasing Ce concentration from 0 to 0.125g/L in the electrolytes

electrical conductivity of the electrolytes is increased from 15.15 MS/cm to 16.54 MS/cm

meanwhile

current in micro-arc oxidation process is obviously varied also. With increasing in Ce concentration in the electrolytes

coating thickness and micro-hardness are firstly increased then gradually decreased

in which the coating thickness of approximately 258μm and coating micro-hardness of HV620 can be obtained with 0.025g/L Ce concentration.