Effect of surface roughness on specular gloss in AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract

In order to clarify the relationship between the surface roughness and the metallic luster and the relationship between the surface roughness and the conditions of the surface treatment, the surface roughness was examined in AZ31 magnesium alloy. The standard state of the metallic luster was the surface polished by emery paper #2000. The surface roughness and the metallic luster were quantified by the root mean square roughness, σ, with a cutt-off value of 0.002 mm and the specular gloss. It was analyzed the relationship between the metallic luster and the surface roughness. For the result, the metallic luster was available that the surface roughness was formed in the range of 0<σ/λ<0.1, and the necessary value of σ for the realization of the metallic luster was less than 53 nm. The optimal acid aqueous solution treatment was available the metallic luster, and σ was 9 nm. Finally, σ with the surface treatment conditions in the both component included the oxidant and high temperature and in the oxidant-free both components was examined, and was about 80 nm. Therefore, it was concluded that the metallic luster was unavailable.