Corrosion protection coatings on light metals

Plasma coating processes at atmospheric pressure can be used to deposit thin inorganic anti-corrosion coatings on light metals such as aluminum or magnesium. This process utilizes a free-jet plasma, whereby the plasma jet sweeps over the surface of the workpiece and is used to deposit a layer that is only a few nanometers thick. On the one hand, this layer has a corrosion-inhibiting effect, and on the other hand it enables efficient adhesion of subsequently applied protective coatings.

 

Powder-coated magnesium sheet after 96h salt spray test,
above without corrosion protection coating, below with such a coating.