Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy and Study of Its Corrosion Resistance and Tribological Behavior

In this study, plasma electrolytic oxidation of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy was investigated. The electrolyte used in this investigation was an alkaline solution containing additives of silicate, phosphate, potassium hydroxide and glycerin. A conventional DC power source with a low applied voltage was employed. Corrosion resistance of the oxide layer was investigated by means of Tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectrometry. Furthermore, the wear resistance was investigated by pin on disc method. The surface and cross-sectional morphology of the oxide layer was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The composition of the oxide layer was studied by XRD. The results showed that after plasma electrolytic oxidation, the corrosion and wear resistance of the alloy are improved.