Microstructural characterisation of oxide layer developed by sulphuric anodisation on 2017A alloys

In this paper, the characteristics of the oxide film formed on the surface of 2017A aluminium alloy by sulphuric oxidation are investigated. Morphological features on the oxide film are studied using scanning electron microscopy. Crystallographic details are obtained using X-ray diffraction. The composition of the oxide layer is estimated using wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. Through systematic structure property studies, the microstructure of the oxide layer is identified providing the incorporation of the alloying elements in the inner layer with a copper enrichment at the interface.