Generation mechanism of microdischarges during plasma electrolytic oxidation of Al in aqueous solutions

The generation mechanism of microdischarges during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of aluminium was investigated at constant current densities in aqueous alkaline solutions. Microdischarges were generated only in weakly alkaline solutions under high applied voltages. The breakdown voltage of the anodic oxide film was not dependent on the applied anodic current density while it was strongly dependent on the OH− concentration in the solution. The size and density of microdischarges became larger and lower, respectively, with increasing PEO treatment time. The mechanism of microdischarge generation could be explained based on the movement of ions in the oxide film and resistive property of the oxide film.