TSA anodising voltage effects on the near-surface coarse intermetallic particles in the AA2024-T3 and AA2198-T8 alloys

In this study, the behaviour of the micrometric particles of the AA2198-T8 alloy during anodising at various voltages and the effect of anodising voltage on the anodised surface morphology have been investigated in a tartaric-sulfuric acid anodising solution. The results were compared with that of the AA2024-T3 alloy. For the AA2198-T8 alloy, partial dissolution of these particles occurred at 0, 3 and 4 V. Besides, for potentials above 5 V, there is a preferential dissolution of the intermetallic particles. For the AA2024-T3 alloy, the results indicated a total dissolution of the micrometric particles at 0 V and a partial dissolution at 3 V, whereas above 4 V total dissolution occurred. Between 1 and 2 V, no dissolution was observed for both alloys. The preferential dissolution of the micrometric particles resulted in defects in the anodic film and cavities on the anodised surfaces.