Optimization of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Technological Parameters of Deformed Aluminum Alloy D16T in Flowing Electrolyte

Abstract

The prospects of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technology applied for surface hardening of aluminum alloys are substantiated. The work aims to optimize the technological process of PEO for aluminum in flowing electrolyte. The design of the equipment and the technological process of the PEO for aluminum deformed alloy D16T in flowing silicate–alkaline electrolyte have been developed. Oxide coatings were formed according to various technological parameters of the PEO process. The properties of the oxide coatings were evaluated, respectively, by measurements of coating thickness, geometric dimensions of the samples, microhardness, wear tests, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. To study the influence of the technological parameters of the PEO process of forming oxide coatings on geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties, planning of the experiment was used. According to the results of the conducted experiments, a regression equation of the second order was obtained and the response surfaces were constructed. We determined the optimal values of the technological parameters of the PEO process: component concentration ratio (Na2SiO3/KOH), current density, flow rate, and electrolyte temperature, which provide the oxide coating with minimal wear and sufficiently high physical and mechanical properties and indicators of the accuracy of the shape of the parts. The research results showed that the properties of oxide coatings mainly depend on almost all constituent modes of the PEO process. Samples with Al2O3 oxide coating were tested during dry friction according to the “ring–ring” scheme. It was established that the temperature in the friction zone of aluminum samples with an oxide coating is lower compared to steel samples without a coating, and this indicates high frictional heat resistance of the oxide coating.