Developing novel coating layers on Aluminum Alloys for optimun adhesion and corrosion protection

• Grant number: 19/16366-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Emil Klumpp
• Grantee: Rafael Emil Klumpp
• Company: K3 Soluções em Química de Superfícies Ltda
• CNAE: Metalurgia do alumínio e suas ligas
• Principal investigators: Isolda Costa
• Associated researchers: Uyime Donatus
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/12959-7 - Developing novel coating layers on Aluminum Alloys for optimun adhesion and corrosion protection, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Protection against corrosion of Al alloys by surface modification is crucial for the use of these alloys in structural applications. This modification should ensure adhesion to primers and paints as well as corrosion resistance. Treatments containing hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in their composition have been used in the past for this purpose. However, these treatments are being banned in many industries, since Cr VI is toxic, carcinogenic and harmful to man and the environment. The deadline for the elimination of this type of treatment in all industries, including automotive and aerospace, has been determined as 2020. There has long been great interest in the search for alternative treatments to treatments that use Cr VI during the process. However, the development of these new treatments faces several challenges, such as eliminating the toxicity and carcinogenicity of the process, eliminating fungi / bacteria, promoting adherence to coatings, treating the tailings generated and increasing the resistance to corrosion of the substrate. Anodizing is one of the most frequently used treatments for the protection of aluminum alloys. The anodizing process involves several steps and, generally, at least one of them involves the use of a solution containing Cr VI. An anodizing cycle that solves most of the aforementioned problems is of great interest and has been much sought after by researchers and practitioners in the surface treatment industry, optimized treatments including pretreatment, anodizing and post-anodizing steps that result in high performance coatings in structural Al alloys, eliminating the use of toxic compounds. Use of non-toxic and economical compounds as well as the combination of controlled steps (temperature control, solution concentration, agitation and time) should be employed for this purpose. The goal is to develop an economical and non-toxic alternative to replace chromic acid anodisation with better performance compared to current alternatives for use in the automotive and aerospace industries and other engineering sectors. The anodizing electrolytes to be chosen will consist of an electrolyte mixture with a fungus / bacteria control component and special attention should be given to additives of vegetable extract. (AU)