Pulsed plasma electrolytic oxidation processes for aeronautical applications and their technical application

Abstract

A range of aluminium alloys have been treated by plasma electrolytic oxidation in different alkaline electrolytes containing silicate, aluminate, vanadate and other additives, under pulsed current conditions and the dependence of oxide thickness growth rates on variation in electrolyte and operating conditions measured. The oxide morphology was examined by SEM, and coating phase and crystal size analysis was carried out by XRD. Coating hardness varied with anodising current type and electrolyte composition, and the incorporation of dispersed nano silica particles.

Keywords:

• Plasma electrolytic oxidation
• PEO
• Pulse anodisation
• Nanoparticles
• Wear resistance

This research at CEST was sponsored by the FFG and the Government of Lower Austria within the Comet program.

This work was supported by the European MNT EraNET and the CleanSky Programs (Happy Plating).

Paper based on a presentation given at the IMF TransFair 2013 Conference held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK, 11–13 June 2013.