Preparation and characterization of spark-anodized Al-alloys: Physical, chemical and tribological properties

Aerospace applications and energy saving strategies in general boosted the interest and the research in the field of light weight materials, typically on alloys based on aluminium. Aluminium itself does not provide sufficient mechanical strength for structural parts, but there exists a lot of recently developed alloys containing silicon, copper, magnesium, zinc or manganese in various combinations and compositions exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. These alloys require surface treatments or coatings to withstand corrosive ambient conditions. Among those treatments known as chromate replacements, plasma oxidation processes were used for different applications, especially if the surfaces have to face mechanical load or severe environmental conditions. In this work, specimens of different aluminium alloys have been plasma oxidized by micro-arc treatment in silicate and phosphate solutions. The ceramic coatings were characterized with respect to phase composition, micro-hardness and corrosion stability. In addition, the tribological performance of the coatings was investigated using a ball-on-disc tribometer with reciprocating motion against sintered alumina ball. The typical worn surfaces of the Al substrate and the ceramic coatings were observed by a scanning electron microscope. Applying same wear conditions, the wear rates in different depth of the coatings are nearly similar. However, in a defined depth of the coatings, wear rate gradually decreases with wear duration. During friction process, a-stable transfer layer consisting of oxides was formed on the tribo-contact area of the coatings. The friction coefficient in a steady friction state is in the range of 0.8.