Optimization Condition for Aluminum Alloy 6066 Anodizing

Abstract

The choice of suitable aluminum alloys for a particular application involves tensile strength, density, softness, formability, operability, welding ability, corrosion resistance, etc. Aluminum alloys are widely used in aircraft because of the high strength to weight ratio. The anodizing process of AA has been applied industrially to improve corrosion resistance. In this research, various factors such as (concentration of the electrolyte, temperature, and voltage) affect thickness and hardness during anodizing of AA6066 in sulphuric acid. Process factors have been modified using the Taguchi method through the Design of Experiments (DOE). The Taguchi method includes an orthogonal array of factors, a Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), which were used to determine the optimum condition levels for aluminum alloy 6066 anodizing, and to analyze the effect of these conditions on thickness and hardness. It was found that the most effective factor on thickness and micro-hardness is the concentration of the electrolyte. Optimization test was carried out by Taguchi optimization test and the optimal conditions were determined. Finally, the anodizing was carried out on aluminum sample under the optimal conditions then scanned by SEM. The thickness and micro hardness obtained at the optimal conditions were 25μm, and 640Hv, respectively.