Anodisation of Aluminium in Aqueous Sodium Oxalate and Sodium Sulphate Media

Abstract

An investigation was conducted on the anodisation of commercial grade aluminium in aqueous sodium sulphate and sodium oxalate solutions. The parameters investigated were anodisation potential and electrolyte composition. Degree of anodisation was evaluated by visual observation of the anodised surface, analyses of current-concentration graphs at constant potential and current-potential characteristics, and measurement of corrosion rate of the anodised surface. Anodisation potential played an important role on the degree of anodisation. The optimum potential was 400 mV and 800 mV wrt saturated Ag/AgCl (SSE) reference electrode for sodium sulphate and sodium oxalate solutions respectively. Below and above the optimum potential poor anodisation was due to insufficient production of Al 3+ to form anodic film and surface breakdown respectively. Anodisation increased with the increase of oxalate concentration. Sulphate concentration was less effective on the degree of anodisation. Between the two electrolytes sodium oxalate was more suitable than sodium sulphate for aluminium anodisation.