Elucidation of the Anodization and Silver Incorporation Impact on the Surface Properties of AA1050 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

The recently increased interest toward the modification of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) layers has motivated the present systematical research. The experiments were comprised of three groups of AA1050 alloy samples: preliminary treated, anodized and further AAO layer modification, using AC-assisted silver incorporation. The respective impact of the surface treatment was assessed using different analytical methods, in order to obtain systematical information on the variation of the surface properties, morphology and performance of the obtained Al-O-Ag films. The analyses included determination of the sample color, hydrophobicity and mechanical strength. These measurements were followed by characterization of their morphology by scanning electron microscopy and composition by energy dispersion X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These characterizations were completed by the assessment of the samples’ performance, after 168 hours of exposure to a 3.5% NaCl model corrosive medium. The corrosion evaluation tests included electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic scanning. The comparative analysis of the acquired results has enabled us to do a comprehensive description of the mechanism of the AC-assisted Ag-incorporation and its impact on the modified AAO films. The obtained Al-O-Ag functional layers have shown remarkable reliability, being appropriate for various industrial applications.