In a significant stride towards enhancing the durability of aluminum alloys, researchers from the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology have optimized the anodic oxidation process for 6061 aluminum alloy using a blend of tartaric acid and sulfuric acid. This breakthrough, published in *Cailiao Baohu* (translated to *Materials Protection*), holds promising implications for industries where corrosion resistance is paramount, particularly in the energy sector.
The study, led by LIU Jun and colleagues, employed an orthogonal test of L16(45) to fine-tune the anodic oxidation process. Through rigorous range analysis and variance analysis, combined with detailed observations of the oxidation film’s surface morphology, thickness tests, and electrochemical impedance analysis, the team identified the optimal process parameters for maximizing corrosion resistance.
“Our findings reveal that the key factors affecting corrosion resistance are oxidation time and tartaric acid concentration,” stated LIU Jun, the lead author of the study. The optimal conditions were determined to be an oxidation temperature of 20-25 ℃, an oxidation time of 50 minutes, an oxidation voltage of 20 V, and a tartaric acid concentration of 80 g/L. The resulting oxidation film boasted a thickness of 10 μm and an impressive impedance value of 4.148×107 Ω·cm2, indicating superior corrosion resistance.
One of the most intriguing discoveries was the lack of correlation between oxidation film thickness and corrosion resistance. This counterintuitive finding challenges conventional wisdom and opens new avenues for research and development in the field.
Furthermore, the study explored the impact of hole sealing on corrosion resistance. By sealing the oxide film’s pores with boiling water, the researchers observed a significant improvement in the impedance value of the intermediate frequency range, from 1 × (103～104) Ω·cm2 to 1 × (104～105) Ω·cm2. This additional treatment further enhances the material’s resistance to corrosion, making it even more suitable for demanding applications.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. Aluminum alloys are widely used in power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure due to their lightweight and conductive properties. However, their susceptibility to corrosion has long been a challenge. The optimized anodic oxidation process developed by LIU Jun and his team could significantly extend the lifespan of aluminum alloy components in harsh environments, reducing maintenance costs and improving the overall efficiency of energy systems.
As the world continues to transition towards renewable energy sources, the demand for durable and reliable materials will only grow. This research not only addresses a critical need within the industry but also paves the way for future innovations in material science and engineering.
In the words of LIU Jun, “Our work is just the beginning. We hope that these findings will inspire further research and development, leading to even more advanced and resilient materials for the energy sector and beyond.” With the publication of this study in *Cailiao Baohu*, the scientific community now has a valuable resource to build upon, driving progress in the quest for superior corrosion-resistant materials.