Growth characteristics of the oxide layer on aluminium in the process of plasma electrolytic oxidation

Abstract

During the formation of the oxide layer by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), the electrochemical processes are accompanied by the plasma micro-discharges, occurring uniformly over the coated electrode. Application of an alternating current with strictly controlled electrical parameters can affect the character of the discharges, and consequently the properties of the obtained layers. When the cathodic current density exceeds anodic, at some point, a sudden change in the appearance of micro-discharges and a decrease in the intensity of the acoustic emission can be observed - in literature this effect is called "soft sparking". In the present work, the evolution of the electrical properties of the layers at various stages of their formation has been characterized, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The study showed a significant decrease in charge transfer resistance and increase in capacitance of the oxide layer after reaching the "soft sparking". This indicates a significant change in the structure of the oxide layer, in the barrier and main part, which is additionally confirmed by measuring the breakdown voltage.