Friction Durability of Anodized Aluminum Alloy 2017A under Dry Conditions

In this paper, the friction durability of an anodized aluminum alloy is investigated on relation to the effects of two elaboration parameters: the anodizing time (called the reaction time RT) and the applied current (J). For this purpose, the tribological behavior of the developed oxide layer is characterized using scratch and reciprocating cyclic friction tests under dry and severe conditions. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry were used to correlate between the cyclic response and the worn surfaces and to highlight the impact of RT and J. The anodized layer exhibited an excellent wear resistance at 90 min RT, but its friction durability decreased at 30 min RT. The morphology of the anodized surface influenced the establishment and evolution of the friction-wear layer, which acted as a glass layer for 30 min RT/1A/dm2 (J) and an abrasive third body resource for 90 min RT/1A/dm2 (J) and for 30 min RT/2A/dm2 (J). The variation in the thickness, which affected by the change of the J and RT, has a strong influence on the adhesion strength of the oxide layer. The higher the oxide layer thickness is, the greater the adhesion strength.