Hard coatings on aluminium alloy surfaces produced using microplasma oxidation

Abstract

The present paper reports on the production of oxide coatings on an aluminium alloy by microplasma oxidation and on their properties. The surface characteristics of the coatings were determined by surface and structural analytical techniques, i.e. SEM and X-ray diffraction. Thermo-analysis of the coatings was evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses. It was ascertained that the coatings with a mixture of crystallised γ-Al₂O₃ and α-Al₂O₃ have significant microhardness, good electric resistance and good thermostability.

Keywords:

• ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
• OXIDE COATINGS
• PLASMA OXIDATION