Effect of fluorozirconic acid on anodizing of aluminium and AA 2024-T3 alloy in sulphuric and tartaric-sulphuric acids

The study examined the influence of fluorozirconic acid additions to the electrolyte on the growth rate and composition of porous anodic films formed on AA 2024-T3 alloy in sulphuric acid and tartaric-sulphuric acid electrolytes. A range of anodizing voltages, electrolyte temperatures, fluorozirconic acid concentrations and anodizing times was employed. High purity aluminium was employed as a reference material. Fluorozirconic acid increased the film growth rate, with a reducing influence as the temperature increased from 0 to 37 °C. The growth rate was enhanced by increased additions of fluorozirconic acid to the electrolyte, although chemical dissolution of the film was also accelerated. The films contained fluoride and sulphate ions from the electrolyte, with the fluoride concentrations decreasing with increasing temperature whereas the sulphate concentration was relatively unaffected.