The determination of optimum conditions for anodizing aluminum alloy (3004)

Abstract

Aluminum alloy 3004 is frequently used in the production of drink and some food cans. Despite the oxide layer that forms on the surface of aluminum and alloys quickly interacts with surrounding oxygen, protecting them from corrosion better than steel, exposure to basic or acidic conditions damages this oxide film. Aluminum and its alloys corrode more quickly because of mechanical damage, which poses a health concern. In order to provide the ideal circumstances for increasing the oxide film's thickness and offering enough strength and safety to prevent unintentional damage and the leaking of hazardous materials into food, anodization was employed in this study. Three variables were chosen: temperature, current density, and anodization time. The highest thickness of the oxide layer can be reached at 20°C with an anodization time of about 40 minutes. The results also demonstrated a relationship between anodization time and temperature, with the oxide layer's growth decreasing as the electrolyte temperature rises and as the anodization period extends.