The characteristics of the oxide layer deposited by microarc oxidation (MAO) on Al – Si alloys in a silicate-alkaline electrolyte are studied. The thermal conductivity of the layer at 50 – 120°C is determined using a special facility by the method of stationary heat flow. The thickness, the porosity, the elemental composition, the content of the amorphous phase, and the size of the crystallites in the oxide layer are determined. The results obtained are analyzed and the conditions for the lowest thermal conductivity of the oxide layer are determined.