Environmentally-friendly anodizing of aluminium alloys

Progress is reported on understanding the interfacial processes that influence the surface treatment and finishing of aluminium and its alloys for practical application, i.e. in the aerospace sector. Using model and commercial alloys, the effects of alloying elements in the matrix and as separate phases on the anodising behaviour may be separated. The insight gained enables informed control of the anodizing conditions for the tailoring of porous anodic film growth in environmentally-friendly electrolytes for protection of the aerospace alloy substrate; further outer, open pore morphologies may also be readily developed for adhesive bonding applications, whilst maintaining protection of the alloy. Progressing further, anodizing conditions have been developed that offer the required control, but with much reduced energy costs and carbon footprint; the previous have been assisted by rapid screening using electrochemical approaches.