MPO Technology Overview

Micro-Plasma Oxidation (MPO) is an electrochemical process of oxidation, combined with micro discharges on the surface of the part immersed in an electrolyte.  This results in the creation of a nanostructured ceramic coating grown from the surface of valve metals (Al, Ti, Mg, etc.) of a dense, ductile oxide layer.  The oxide layer improves mechanical, wear, thermal, dielectric and corrosion properties of the surface.

MPO Detailed Process Description

MPO uses a controlled, high voltage alternating current that is applied to a metal part submerged in an electrolytic bath.  Due to the high voltage and high current, intense plasma is created on the surface of the metal as a result of micro arc discharges.  This plasma oxidizes the surface of the part and grows nanostructured ceramic oxide coatings from the parent metal surface.  The oxide film is produced by subsurface oxidation; therefore very thick coatings of varying porosity can be produced.  The MPO process can readily grow coatings up to 250 microns, and ongoing research is showing feasibility of coating thicknesses up to 500 microns.