Non-chromate deoxidation of AA2024-T3 using Fe(III)-HF-HNO3

• Published in: Surface and interface analysis Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 15 - 23
• Main Authors: Hughes, A. E., Harvey, T. G., Nikpour, T., Muster, T. H., Hardin, S. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.01.2005; Wiley
• Subjects: AFM; aluminium; aluminium alloy; Applied sciences; chromate-free; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; deoxidation; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Metals. Metallurgy; non-chromate; Physics; SEM; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surface cleaning, etching, patterning; Surface structure and topography; Surface treatments; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); XPS; Surface cleaning; chromate-free; Atomic force microscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Deoxidation; Aluminium base alloys; Etching rate; AFM; Immersion; Nitric acid; Surface structure; non-chromate; Iron III; Hydrofluoric acid; aluminium alloy; aluminium; Deoxidizing agent; SEM; XPS; X-ray photoelectron spectra
• ISSN: 0142-2421; 1096-9918
• DOI: 10.1002/sia.1998

The effect on AA2024‐T3 of a non‐chromate deoxidizer based on Fe(III)–HF–HNO3 has been examined by atomic force microscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Magnesium and silicon present on the surface after alkaline cleaning was removed very rapidly at room temperature. The surface oxide also showed signs of significant attack within a short period of time. Intermetallics were removed almost completely within 10 min. There was evidence of iron deposition from the deoxidizer, which would tend to reduce the corrosion resistance of subsequent conversion coatings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.