The Structure and Frictional Properties of Aluminum Alloy Anodic Oxide Film

Abstract

Anodic oxide films were prepared firstly on the surface of a 2024 aluminum alloy. Then the effect of different heat-treatment temperatures on the structure and properties of the films was studied. The results indicate that the construction units of Al2O3 oxide film were composed of tubules less than 100nm in external diameter, and the film became more compact and uniform as a result of the increased temperature after the heat treatments of 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400°C under the protection of a H2 atmosphere. The hardness of the films increased linearly with the increase of heat treatment temperature; whereas the wear loss tended to decrease first and then increase. After being treated at the temperature of 250°C, the hardness reaches 606HV, the wear loss is a minimum of 11mg. The structure of the film heat-treated at 250°C has a compact structure, higher hardness, and the best wear resistance.