Some preliminary evaluations of black coating on aluminium AA2219 alloy produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process for space applications

This paper describes the results of a study of a black coating produced on aluminium AA2219 alloy using a process that involves creation of a hard ceramic oxide layer on the surface of the alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) known as the 'KERONITE(R)' process. Coating microstructure has been examined and the coating characteristics such as porosity, hardness, adhesion and phase composition were measured. The thermo-optical properties such as solar absorptance 'alpha(s)' and normal infrared emittance 'epsilon(n-IR)' of the coating were measured in the 'as-prepared' condition and after environmental exposures to humidity, thermal cycling and UV-radiation in vacuum and to thermal shock. Comparison was made with alternative coatings produced using standard black anodising processes. The study also looked at the cold welding and friction behaviours of the coated alloy in vacuum and in an ambient laboratory environment. Standard spacecraft materials tests were conducted on the coated disc against an AISI 52100 steel ball and also against a coated pin using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Parameters such as friction coefficient and wear depth were measured and the cold welding behaviours were investigated. Test results were compared with the data generated for NiCr plated and anodised coatings. Corrosion performance was assessed using a salt spray exposure test and using an accelerated electrochemical test method. In addition, the study looked at the effect of post coating sealing with a sol-gel solution.