Simultaneous anodization and silanization for adhesive joining of AA 3031 using an epoxy adhesive

Abstract

AbstractOne step process, simultaneous anodization and silanization, to improve structural adhesive bonding of american aluminium 3031 alloy for wide ranges of applications was investigated. In this study, an optimized aqueous solution of zinc nitrate salt and a glycidoxy propyl‐trimethoxy silane was used as the electrolyte at a controlled temperature of ~5 °C with different current densities. The morphology of the deposited anodic layers revealed the presence of randomly clustered microstructures on the surface. The anodic layers formed with 120 m A cm−2 for 300 sec exhibited the most promising profile with optimum surface roughness among others, showing potentials for excellent mechanical anchoring of the adhesive within its rough structure. The infrared spectra and the energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis also showed that these surfaces were chemically rich, indicating benefits of both mechanical and chemical bonds at the adhesive‐surface interface.