Comparative investigation of the adhesion of Ce conversion layers and silane layers to a AA 2024-T3 substrate through mechanical and electrochemical tests

Abstract

Cerium conversion layers and silane films are among the potential substitutes for the carcinogenic chromate conversion layers used to protect high-strength Al alloys. In the present work the adhesion of a cerium conversion layer and of a silane film to an aluminium alloy (AA) 2024-T3 substrate was investigated using mechanical and electrochemical tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)- X ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the layers prior and after the mechanical test consisting of ultrasonic rinse in deionized water during 30 minutes. Mechanically tested and untested layers were also submitted to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization measurements in 0.1 M NaCl solution. The results of the characterization tests have pointed to a stronger adhesion of the Ce layer to the substrate in comparison with the silane film, which was confirmed by the electrochemical tests. The adhesion between the silane film and the Ce conversion layer was also tested, to evaluate the possibility of using the system as a protective bi-layer in accordance with the new trends being developed to substitute chromate conversion layers.