A sample of magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG, a new Apticote composite, has completed a 2000-hour salt spray test with virtually no signs of corrosion.

A sample of magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG, a new Apticote composite, has completed a 2000-hour salt spray test with virtually no signs of corrosion. Put into context, the performance of the specialised coating from surface coating specialist Poeton Industries, compares with 150 hours resistance for uncoated magnesium. The result means that magnesium, which is chemically very reactive and therefore highly corrosive, can now be used in the most demanding environments.

The coating process uses electrolytic oxidisation to transform the surface of magnesium into a hard, dense ceramic oxide that is twice as wear resistant and seven times as scratch resistant as anodised surfaces, and is capable of protecting even the most complex shapes without cracking or chipping.

On a standard AZ9ID alloy it can also have hardness of 400-600 HV.

Besides its obvious applications on magnesium, these properties make Magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG an ideal substitute for steel, cast iron, sintered ceramic, even plastic.

Recent applications have included automotive components (cam covers, gearbox housings, roof rails, etc), consumer electronics (computers, cameras, mobile phones), erosion-resistant surfaces for textile machinery, frames for mountain bikes, fashion glasses and a wide range of engineering components.