3-Dimensional structures of open-pores in PEO films on AZ31 Mg alloy

In this work, observation of 3-dimensional network structure of open-pores in plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) films is reported for the first time using a resin replica method. Conventional plane and cross-sectional views of PEO films provide only 2-dimensional information on the shape and size of pores in PEO films, while an epoxy replica, which was prepared by infiltrating a mixture of liquid epoxy resin and hardener into the open-pores in...