The effects of processing parameters on the formation of oxide layers in aluminium alloys using plasma electrolytic oxidation technique

Abstract The plasma electrolytic method of oxidation (PEO) is a technique that is increasingly being used in industry to produce protective coatings and other surface treatments. The emphasis is then placed on the dielectric breakdown that repeatedly occurs across the surface of the workpiece. There is significant potential for more effective process control. Key study areas include the interrelation of electrical conditions, electrolyte composition, coating microstructure, and growth rates. With specific goals in terms of coating performance and energy efficiency, an attempt is made to identify key points that are likely to simplify this. The research aims to identify the optimized range of input parameters when the oxide layer is formed using the DC supply in the silicate-based electrolyte on Al 6061 substrate. For developing an oxide layer on Al 6061, a silicate-based electrolyte containing Na 2 SiO 3 (10g/L), KOH (2g/L), and KMnO 4 3 (g/lit) is applied. At the optimal parameter of DC supply with 190 V and 1.5 A, the maximal adoption of Mn particles was observed to be 34 percent.