Corrosion Behavior of Fe2O3/Alumina Layer Produced by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of 6061 Al Alloy

This study looked into the influence of iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)(3) on the corrosion behavior of a 6061 Al alloy treated by a plasma electrolytic oxidation coating (PEO). PEO coatings were fabricated on Al alloy samples under AC conditions utilizing an alkaline-aluminate electrolyte containing 0 and 5 gr of Fe(NO3)(3). Surface examination demonstrated that some Fe2O3 particles were effectively integrated into the coating layer produced in a solution containing Fe(NO3)(3). In addition, the porosity and the size of micropores made due to plasma activity were significantly reduced after the PEOO treatment of the 6061 Al substrate in an electrolyte containing Fe(NO3)(3). Accordingly, the coating formed in the electrolyte with Fe(NO3)(3) exhibited superior corrosion resistance to that treated in the electrolyte without Fe(NO3)(3).

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of iron nitrate on the corrosion behavior of a 6061 Al alloy treated with a plasma electrolytic oxidation coating. PEO coatings were applied on Al alloy samples using an alkaline-aluminate electrolyte with and without iron nitrate. The presence of iron nitrate resulted in the integration of Fe2O3 particles into the coating layer and reduced the porosity and size of micropores formed during plasma activity. As a result, the coating formed in the electrolyte with iron nitrate exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the one without iron nitrate.