Combined kinetic and X-ray electron probe microanalysis characterization of local porosity variation and pore shape across anodic alumina films

Porous anodic alumina films on Al were prepared by anodic oxidation of Al in H2SO4 electrolyte at a constant temperature and current density and different thicknesses, up to ≈ 41 μm. Their cross section was examined by EPMA for revealing the variation of local porosity across the films and shape of pores while a kinetic model for film growth was developed describing the variation of pore diameter. It was found that the pores open, and local porosity increases, towards the film surface, predicting a conical pore shape, while the results coincided with those obtained by kinetic study. The EPMA analysis combined with kinetic results emerges as a promising tool for studying structural features of these films.