Magnesium Alloy Surface Treatment via Micro-Arc Oxidation and Sputtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnesium alloy surfaces used in electronic device casings are prone to deformation, rust, and loss of protective coatings due to chemical reactivity, making them unsuitable for corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A surface treatment method involving micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to form a passivation layer, followed by sputtering metal or non-metal layers with varying reflect angles, and applying a resin paint layer to enhance corrosion and scratch resistance, creating a metallic and imitation-aluminum alloy appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electroplating method is used on magnesium alloy surface, then metal material can be deposited on surface, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated due to need for passivation treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the passivation treatment step from the electroplating process by using micro-arc oxidation to directly form a protective oxide layer on the magnesium alloy surface, which inherently provides the necessary surface preparation for subsequent coating without requiring separate passivation treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces micro-arc oxidation treatment as an intermediary process that creates a specialized oxide layer serving as both the passivation layer and adhesive base for subsequent metal or non-metal coatings, thereby consolidating multiple functions into one process step
2Weight of moving object
If magnesium alloy is used for casing/shell, then lightweight property is achieved, but the surface becomes prone to rust and deformation due to active chemical property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the magnesium alloy substrate combined with a micro-arc oxidation layer and subsequent metal or non-metal coating layers, where the oxide layer and coatings provide corrosion protection while the magnesium alloy provides lightweight properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface chemical state of the magnesium alloy by forming an oxide layer through micro-arc oxidation, transforming the reactive magnesium surface into a stable, protective oxide surface that resists corrosion while maintaining the bulk lightweight properties of the alloy
3Reliability
If protection layer is applied on casing/shell, then corrosion protection is provided, but the protection layer can be worn out and broken due to collision or rub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a gradient structure where the micro-arc oxidation layer provides localized corrosion protection at the molecular level through oxide formation, while the subsequent metal or non-metal coating layers provide mechanical durability and scratch resistance, with each layer optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the irregular hole structure and surface roughness created by micro-arc oxidation to enhance the mechanical interlocking and adhesion of subsequent coating layers, where the curved and irregular surface topology provides better mechanical anchoring compared to flat surfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves a corrosion-resistant and aesthetically appealing surface for magnesium alloy objects by forming a passivation layer and applying a paint layer, improving durability and appearance while maintaining metallic luster.
Implementation Method 1
performing micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on the magnesium alloy object to form a micro-arc oxidation layer
Implementation Method 2
performing micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on the magnesium alloy object to form a micro-arc oxidation layer
Implementation Method 3
sputtering at least one metal layer or at least one non-metal layer on a surface of the micro-arc oxidation layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a surface treatment method for magnesium alloy object, the method comprising: providing a magnesium alloy object; preprocessing the magnesium alloy object; performing micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on the magnesium alloy object to form a micro-arc oxidation layer; Sputtering at least one metal layer or at least one non-metal layer on a surface of the micro-arc oxidation layer, the metal layer or non-metal layer which is sputtered on the micro-arc oxidation layer has different angles by using surface roughness of the micro-arc oxidation layer when a light source is projected on the metal layer or non-metal layer; and Sputtering a paint layer on the metal layer or non-metal layer to make the surface metallic lustrous and corrosion-resistant. The present invention further provides a surface structure of a magnesium alloy object.