Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Factors Acting on the Layer Thickness Formed by Anodic Oxidation of Aluminium

Abstract

The current practice in the field of anodic oxidation of aluminium and its alloys is based mainly on a set of partial empirical experiences of technologists obtained during surface treatment. The aim of the presented paper is deeper and more complex identification of the influence of chemical and technological factors acting during the anodic oxidation process especially on the thickness of the formed surface layer by the electrolysis method in a sulfuric acid solution. The current density was selected as the basic criterion for verification evaluation and analysis of experimentally obtained data, in accordance with Faraday’s laws. For current densities of 1 to 5 A·dm−2, the synergy of significant influence factors was identified, and mathematical and statistical models were then developed to predict the thickness of the surface layer with a relative accuracy of up to 10%. The presented paper does not only focus on the observation of the thickness of the surface layer desired by the customer, but also on the monitoring of this thickness in relation to the overall layer thickness of the coating.