The effect of surface pre-conditioning treatments on the local composition of Zr-based conversion coatings formed on aluminium alloys

- Field Emission Auger Electron Spectroscopy was used for local elemental analysis.
- Acid and alkaline pre-conditioning treatments induces Cu-enrichment on AA6014.
- A Cu-containing Zr-based conversion treatment for aluminium alloys was evaluated.
- Cu-rich areas enhance the local formation of Zr-based conversion films on AA6014.
- Thermal pre-conditioning treatments inhibits the formation of Zr-based coatings.