The bonding strength and corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy by anodizing treatment in a phosphoric acid modified boric acid/sulfuric acid bath

The process of phosphoric/boric/sulfuric acids anodizing was studied as a new pre-treatment for adhesive bonding of aluminum alloys. The microstructure and topography of the anodic films were examined using SEM and AFM, and the adhesive strength and corrosion behavior were studied with lap-shear test, wedge test and electrochemical technology. The results showed that by the process of phosphoric/boric/sulfuric acids anodizing a thicker film with high porosity and big pores can be obtained. The porous film was beneficial to improve the durability and lap-shear strength of the bonding joints. The thicker film can also provide better corrosion resistance. Compared with the films by boric/sulfuric acids anodizing and phosphoric acid anodizing, under humid and hot environments the phosphoric/boric/sulfuric acids anodic film showed better corrosion resistance, higher bonding strength and durability, and is a promising pre-treatment for adhesive bonding of aluminum alloys instead of the chromic acid anodizing process.