Effect of cerium nitrate and salicylic acid on the titanium–zirconium chemical conversion coating of 6061 aluminum alloy

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a chrome-free and phosphorus-free chemical conversion coating with good corrosion resistance, a novel chemical conversion coating was prepared by adding cerium nitrate hexahydrate and salicylic acid in the treatment solution containing titanium/zirconium ions on 6061 aluminum alloy. Design/methodology/approach Compared with the AA6061 aluminum alloy matrix, the self-corrosion potential of the conversion coating is significantly positively shifted, the self-corrosion current density is greatly reduced and its corrosion resistance is significantly improved. Morphology and composition of the conversion coatings were observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The microdomain structure of conversion coatings at different formation stages was analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer. Findings An optimized preparation technique of titanium–zirconium chemical conversion coating for AA6061 aluminum alloy is obtained: H2TiF6 4 mL/L, H2ZrF6 0.4 mL/L, salicylic acid 0.35 g/L, Ce(NO3)3·6H2O 0.14 g/L, reaction temperature 30°C, reaction time 120 s and pH 4.0. Originality/value The coating forms on the Al(Fe)Si intermetallic compound, and Ce3+ is preferentially adsorbed on the intermetallic compound. The hydrolysis of Ce3+ causes the local pH of the solution to decrease, which promotes matrix dissolution and charge migration. As the microanode/microcathode reaction occurs, the local pH of the solution increases, and Al2O3/ZrO2/TiO2 begins to deposit on the surface of the metal substrate.