Abstract:The current research processes of electroplating and electroless Ni-P alloy plating on magnesium alloys were reviewed. Theoretically, the reason for difficulties in electroplating and electroless plating on magnesium alloys was given. The zinc immersion, copper immersion, direct electroless Ni-P alloy plating and electroplating and electroless plating on magnesium alloys prepared by chemical conversion coating were presented in detail. Especially, the research development of magnesium alloy AZ91 and AZ31 was discussed briefly. Based on the analysis, the existing problems and future research directions were then given.

Key words: magnesium alloy; electroplating; electroless Ni-P alloy; chemical conversion coating; zinc immersion/copper; direct electroless Ni-P alloy plating