Effect of sealed anodic film on fatigue performance of 2214-T6 aluminum alloy

► Micrographic observations of sealed anodic film show crack network through anodic film. ► Anodic oxide film does not degrade fatigue performance. ► Sealed anodic film degrades fatigue performance. ► Fatigue loss is attributed to crack network and cavities rather than residual stresses. ► SEM fractographic observations show fracture initiation mechanism.