Plasma electrolytic oxidation of as-cast and heat-treated binary Al-Ni alloys

摘要: In this study, the effect of nickel addition on the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) behavior of pure Al was investigated. Binary Al-Ni alloys containing 1, 3, 5 and 7 at. % Ni were produced by two step vacuum arc and induction melting methods. Produced alloys and pure Al as a reference were PEO coated in a silicate-based alkaline electrolyte through a bipolar power source under constant voltage mode for 45 min. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS and Vickers microhardness tester before and after PEO. All alloys were consisted of Al and Al3Ni phases. Fine rod-like eutectic structure was evident for 1 (hypoeutectic) and 3 (eutectic) at. % Ni containing alloys while further addition of Ni resulted in the coarsening of eutectic Al3Ni precipitates. All coatings contained γ-Al2O3 phase while additionally, α-Al2O3 phase formed on pure Al and Al-1Ni alloy. Despite the presence of Ni in the coatings, a Ni …