Effect of chloride ions on electrochemical properties of anodized AV and D16 aluminum alloys in aqueous and glycerin-containing aqueous sodium sulfate solutions

Abstract

The effect of chloride ions (0.01 N NaCl) on the electrochemical properties of anodized (in chromic anhydride or sulfuric acid) AV and D16 aluminum alloys in aqueous sulfate (0.5% Na2SO4) and glycerin-containing aqueous sulfate (0.5% Na2SO4, 33% glycerin) solutions is studied. Depending on the conditions of anodizing and the composition of the alloy and environment, currents on the anodized alloys in the passive range are shown to be smaller by one to four orders of magnitude compared to those on nonanodized alloys. Anodizing increases the resistance of alloys against pitting corrosion. Alloys anodized in sulfuric acid and then treated in dichromate are not susceptible to pitting corrosion. Alloys anodized in chromic anhydride are less resistant against pitting.