Hard Anodizing of Aluminium Matrix Composite A6061/(Al2O3)p for Wear and Corrosion Resistance Improvement

• Published in: Plasma processes and polymers Vol. 4; no. S1; pp. S579 - S583
• Main Authors: Picas, Josep A., Forn, Antonio, Rupérez, Elisa, Baile, M. Teresa, Martín, Enric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.04.2007; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: aluminium matrix composites; anodized films; composites; corrosion; surfaces; tribology
• ISSN: 1612-8850; 1612-8869
• DOI: 10.1002/ppap.200731409

Aluminium matrix composites fabricated with lightweight aluminium alloy matrices and high modulus SiC or Al2O3 particle reinforcements, offer a high specific strength and stiffness. Although AMCs are promising for applications, the addition of a second phase to an aluminium matrix could significantly degrade the corrosion resistance in hostile environments. Anodizing has been considered as a potential means for protecting AMCs against corrosive attack. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that hard anodizing A6061+26%Al2O3p material improves tribological properties and corrosion resistance. The investigation regarding the film formation mechanism revealed that thickness of the anodic film was not uniform; however, after anodization the corrosion and wear resistance of aluminium 6061/Al2O3 composite was significantly improved.