Plasma electrolytic oxidation of aluminium surface: implementation and new applications
Aleksejs Zolotarjovs
BSc. Aleksejs Zolotarjovs (ISSP UL Laboratory of Radiation Physics)
Several coating methods are used to improve the chemical and mechanical properties of the surface of aluminium and other metals, one of which is plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The method is similar to the well-known metal anodizing process, but uses more voltage to achieve local discharge (plasma). With the PEO method, thick (1 – 100 μm) oxide coatings can be obtained and modified by changing the electrolyte composition.
The equipment for the implementation of the PEO process as well as a set of computer programs for device control and process control have been created. Studies of morphology, structure, composition and optical properties (EDX, XRD, SEM, FTIR, microhardness, luminescence of coatings, plasma emission spectroscopy) were carried out on aluminium coatings obtained by PEO and anodizing processes. It has been shown that it is possible to obtain aluminium oxide coatings doped with europium (Eu2+, Eu3+) ions with distinct luminescence.
The seminar will look at the properties of the PEO method, its technical realization, results of the research of obtained coatings and possibilities for new applications.
The research was performed in collaboration with Elgootech ltd.