Molarity Relationship of Electrolyte Solution to Aluminum Anodizing Process on Morphology and Corrosion Resistance

Abstract

One type of aluminum that has a widely use is AA 6061 because it has a good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance when compared to the other types of aluminum. Those properties of this alloy can be improved even better by using the anodizing process. In this study, the results of anodizing AA 6061 will be investigated using molarity of sulfuric acid 1, 2 and 3 M, with an anodizing processing time of 60 minutes and temperature of electrolyte solution 10°C towards morphology and corrosion rate. The cathode used in this process is titanium alloy. After the anodizing process was completed, a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) test was carried out to examine the surface morphology produced, testing Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) is used to determine the chemical composition of the anodic layer formed after the anodizing process and the test of corrosion rate is done using 128N Autolab PGSTAT Potentiodynamic in 3.5% sodium chloride. From the test results, it appears that there is an increase in pore size and corrosion rate along with an increase in the molarity of the electrolyte solution. In addition, there is also an increase in sulfate levels and a decrease in titanium deposits in anodizing results with higher solution molarity.