This paper aims to develop a chromium‐free chemical conversion coating with good corrosion resistance. A novel chemical conversion coating was prepared on 6061 aluminum alloy by dipping in the treatment solution containing titanium/zirconium based‐ions and sodium metaphosphate and cerium nitrate hexahydrate as additives. The morphology and composition of the conversion coatings were observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The microarea structure of conversion coatings at different formation stages was analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer. The electrochemical polarization curve revealed that the corrosion potential of the conversion coating was −0.577 V and the corrosion current density was 0.1148 μA/cm2. The equivalent circuit fitted by AC impedance showed that the film resistance reaches 68,140 Ω. The formation of coating preferentially grows on the Al (Fe) Si intermetallic to form oxides of Ti and Zr; then TiO2 formed by a higher concentration of Ti4+ gradually covered ZrO2. Ce3+ could adsorb on the intermetallic compound, the hydrolysis of which causes the local pH of the solution to decrease and promotes the aluminum alloy dissolved.

Purpose This study aims to expand the reliability and special functions of lightweight materials for high-end equipment and green manufacturing, so that it is the first such research to carry out nano-composite technology of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes (Ni-CNTs)-based titanium-zirconium chemical conversion on aluminum alloy substrate. Design/methodology/approach Corrosion behavior of various coatings was investigated using dropping corrosion test, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the nano-composite conversion coatings was significantly improved to compare with the conventional titanium-zirconium conversion coating. The morphology and microdomain characteristics of the nano-composite conversion coatings were characterized by SEM/eds/EPMA, which indicated that the CNT or Ni-CNTs addition promoting the integrity coverage of coatings in a short time. Findings Surface morphology of titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr)/Ni-CNT specimens exhibited smooth, compact and little pores. The nano-composite conversion coatings are mainly composed of Al, O, C and Ti elements and contain a small amount of F and Zr elements, which illuminated that CNT or Ni-CNT addition could co-deposit with aluminum and titanium metal oxides. Originality/value The study of corrosion resistance of nano-composite conversion coatings and the micro-zone film-formation characteristics would be provided theoretical support for the development of basic research on surface treatment of aluminum alloys.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a chrome-free and phosphorus-free chemical conversion coating with good corrosion resistance, a novel chemical conversion coating was prepared by adding cerium nitrate hexahydrate and salicylic acid in the treatment solution containing titanium/zirconium ions on 6061 aluminum alloy. Design/methodology/approach Compared with the AA6061 aluminum alloy matrix, the self-corrosion potential of the conversion coating is significantly positively shifted, the self-corrosion current density is greatly reduced and its corrosion resistance is significantly improved. Morphology and composition of the conversion coatings were observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The microdomain structure of conversion coatings at different formation stages was analyzed by electron probe microanalyzer. Findings An optimized preparation technique of titanium–zirconium chemical conversion coating for AA6061 aluminum alloy is obtained: H2TiF6 4 mL/L, H2ZrF6 0.4 mL/L, salicylic acid 0.35 g/L, Ce(NO3)3·6H2O 0.14 g/L, reaction temperature 30°C, reaction time 120 s and pH 4.0. Originality/value The coating forms on the Al(Fe)Si intermetallic compound, and Ce3+ is preferentially adsorbed on the intermetallic compound. The hydrolysis of Ce3+ causes the local pH of the solution to decrease, which promotes matrix dissolution and charge migration. As the microanode/microcathode reaction occurs, the local pH of the solution increases, and Al2O3/ZrO2/TiO2 begins to deposit on the surface of the metal substrate.

No abstract