Received 03.02.2026, Revised 01.05.2026, Accepted 28.05.2026 Published 29.05.2026
The research presented in this article is relevant due to the need to improve prediction and control of oxide-ceramic coating formation on titanium and zirconium alloys used in aggressive and high-load environments. The aim was to investigate electrophysical regularities of coating formation during plasma electrolytic oxidation of titanium and zirconium alloys and the influence of electrolyte composition and current density on synthesis voltage. Methods included galvanostatic anodic and anodic-cathodic modes, time-resolved voltage and current recording, comparison of electrolytes expressed in grams per liter, and analysis of current-voltage dependences during coating synthesis. It was established that coating formation on zirconium alloy proceeded in two stages and was unstable at low electrolyte concentrations, while increased potassium hydroxide and liquid glass improved stability and uniformity. Titanium alloy demonstrated a more uniform synthesis process with lower voltage levels than zirconium alloy due to higher conductivity and more stable coating growth behaviour. Decreasing current density reduced anodic and cathodic voltage components, while additives such as chromium oxide, glycerin and hydrogen peroxide influenced stability and magnitude of synthesis voltage. Optimal conditions were identified at balanced current density ratios and moderate electrolyte concentrations, ensuring stable discharge behaviour and improved coating quality. Results can be used by materials engineers to optimise plasma electrolytic oxidation regimes for producing corrosion-resistant and mechanically stable coatings
electrophysical parameters; synthesis voltage; current density; electrolyte; cathode; anode