Barrier anodic coatings formed on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy in electrolytes containing different ethanol to water ratios
We have studied barrier anodic film formation on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy substrates as a function of electrolyte composition for five mixtures of ammonium tartrate dissolved in water and diluted with different amounts of ethanol. The effects of electrolyte temperatures within the range of 18/degree/C to 38/degree/C were explored. The results of this study indicate that the best dielectric coatings and the shortest processing times occur for the 100% water-ammonium tartrate electrolyte. The second best coatings and processing times occur in conjunction with the use of 98% ethanol, 2% water plus ammonium tartrate electrolyte. In general, visibly flawed coatings, scintillation events at cell voltages in excess of approximately 750-800 volts and/or abnormally long processing times occur in conjunction with the use of electrolyte mixtures containing 20%, 60%, and 90% water. We analysed samples of electrolyte as a function of usage, and evaluated the composition of the coatings using Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis to better understand the mechanisms which contribute to anodic coating growth that result in the observed variations in the dielectric properties. All of the coatings exhibited similar compositions except with regard to the amount of CO2 that was physisorbed in the coatings. The dielectrically inferior coatings that were typically produced by the electrolytes containing ethanol contain substantially more CO2 than the coatings grown in the 100% water-based electrolyte. These results strongly suggest that the ethanol in the electrolyte oxidizes and forms CO2 which is incorporated in the coatings and results in inferior dielectric properties. 8 refs., 7 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6525523
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-86-2822; ON: DE89005505
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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