The effect of surface roughness on the formation of passivation layer on the A356 aluminum alloy

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and workability. This study investigated the influence of surface roughness on the formation, composition, and adhesion of zirconium-based passivation lay...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jiawei Li, Dongzhu Lu, Quantong Jiang, Wenke Gao, Chaoqun Li, Qichao Zhang, Yishan Jiang, Yanliang Huang, Baorong Hou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Journal of Materials Research and Technology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785425020927
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Summary:Aluminum alloys are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and workability. This study investigated the influence of surface roughness on the formation, composition, and adhesion of zirconium-based passivation layers on A356 aluminum alloy. Surface roughness was characterized using 3D laser confocal microscopy, and its correlation with passivation layer thickness, uniformity, and corrosion resistance was systematically analyzed. The passivation layers were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS, and their electrochemical performance was evaluated in a 3.5 % NaCl solution. The results revealed that surface roughness affects the thickness and adhesion of the passivation layer; meanwhile, excessive roughness introduced defects and discontinuities. These findings provided new insights into the microstructural mechanisms underlying passivation layer formation and highlighted the critical role of surface treatment in optimizing corrosion resistance.
ISSN:2238-7854