Corrosion protection performance of nano‐particles thin‐films containing vanadium ions formed on aluminium alloys
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to find out new eco‐environmentally friendly surface treatments based on vanadate compounds as alternatives to the process involving toxic chromates for the corrosion protection of aluminium alloys.
Design/methodology/approach
A treatment process in which the surface was etched prior to vanadia treatment is being proposed. The process involves cleaning, etching in potassium hydroxide followed by treatment in vanadia prepared by sol‐gel method. The effect of surface preparation prior to vanadia treatment on the corrosion resistance of AA6061 T6 in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution was measured using AC impedance spectroscopy and DC polarization techniques. Surface examination was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Findings
It has been shown that the etching process prior to vanadia treatment enhanced formation of a uniformly distributed compact surface V‐rich Al‐oxide film of smooth appearance and inhibited the active surface sites and thereby preventing localized corrosion.
Originality/value
Vanadate conversion coatings seem very promising as alternatives to toxic chromating for the corrosion protection of aluminium alloys in NaCl solution.
Keywords
Citation
Salam Hamdy, A. and Butt, D.P. (2006), "Corrosion protection performance of nano‐particles thin‐films containing vanadium ions formed on aluminium alloys", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 4, pp. 240-245. https://doi.org/10.1108/00035590610678947
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited