Electropolishing of Al and Al alloys in AlCl3/trimethylamine hydrochloride ionic liquid

This work reports an ionic liquid can be applied to the electrochemical polishing (EP) of Al and its alloys. The EP mechanism of Al and the optimum conditions for EP was investigated. After EP, the mirror Al was successfully obtained and the whole process was eco-friendly without toxic pollutants generation. This ionic liquid possesses stable property and long service life. Moreover, the anti-corrosion property of the obtained mirror-like Al was greatly enhanced.213