Porous anodic alumina formed by anodization of aluminum alloy (AA1050) and high purity aluminum

A two-step anodization process performed at 0 degrees C was used to prepare highly ordered porous anodic alumina on the AA1050 alloy and high purity aluminum foil. The anodizing of both substrates was carried out in 0.3 M sulfuric acid and 0.3 M oxalic acid baths at 25 V and 40 V, respectively. The effect of the extended duration of the second anodizing step on pore order degree and structural features of AAO membranes was studied. The presence of alloying elements affects not only the rate of oxide growth but also the microstructure of the anodic film. It was found that pore circularity and regularity of pore arrangement in AAO membranes formed on the AA1050 alloy were always worse than those observed on the pure Al substrate. The structural features, such as pore diameter, interpore distance, wall thickness, barrier layer thickness, porosity and pore density of porous anodic alumina formed on AA1050 are a little different from those obtained for high purity Al. The extended time of the second anodizing step, up to 16 h does not affect significantly the regularity of pore order and all structural features of AAO membranes, independently of the anodizing electrolyte. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.