Evaluation of different sealing methods for anodized aluminum-silicon carbide (Al/SiC) composites using EIS and SEM techniques

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) have been used in an investigation of the effectiveness of various sealing methods that can be used to improve the corrosion resistance of an anodized aluminum-silicon carbide (Al/SiC) composite. Anodic oxide films were grown on Al7075-T6 and the Al/SiC composite by sulfuric acid anodizing and sealing in a cold saturated solution of nickel acetate. Other samples were sealed using the traditional method of boiling water or hot nickel acetate for comparison. The results revealed a uniform anodized layer on Al7075-T6 that resisted pitting corrosion for more than 2 weeks exposure to NaCl, whereas a cracked oxide film with variations in thickness was observed on the composite material. Pit initiation occurred in less than 5 days on the anodized Al/SiC that was sealed in the hot solutions. This study suggests that the traditional hot sealing methods did not provide sufficient corrosion protection for aluminum metal-matrix composites (MMCs) because the reinforcing SiC particles deteriorated the surface film structure. However, this defective film can be repaired by nickel hydrate precipitation during cold sealing or by applying a thick polyurethane coating.