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Incorporation of electrolyte by-products into barrier anodic Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ coatings

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6447804

We have observed that substantial amounts of electrolyte by-products are incorporated into barrier anodic Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ coatings during deposition. The electrolyte used for the process studied consisted of a solution of ammonium tartrate and water which was diluted 1:40 with ethanol. The tartrate concentration in this electrolyte decreases as a function of the amount of aluminium anodized. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicates the coatings produced by this process contain substantial amounts of carboxylates. Auger electron spectroscopy, transmission electron spectroscopy, and other indirect evidence, e.g., Four Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, strongly suggest that the concentration of carboxylates increases with proximity to the outer surface of the coatings. Our results also indicate that these by-products play a substantial role in inhibiting the crystallization of amorphous material present in the coatings. The results of this study support the hypothesis that incorporated electrolyte by-products beneficially contribute to the dielectric properties of barrier anodic coatings. The depletion of tartrate ions from the electrolyte in conjunction with anodic film formation is accompanied by the appearance of acetate and formate. The concentration of these ions increase rapidly and are then depleted along with tartrate late in the bath life. This depletion of the anion species appears to define a practical limit to the area of aluminum which can be anodized in a given volume of the electrolyte without replenishment. 3 figures.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6447804
Report Number(s):
SAND-83-0435C; CONF-830443-1; ON: DE83009003
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English