The Korean Society of Surface Science and Engineering

In this study, we investigated the effect of Na₂SiO₃ concentration on the Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation(PEO) film formation of Al6061 alloy. The morphology of the PEO films were examined by Optical Microscope(OM) and Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM). PEO film thickness increases as the Na₂SiO₃ concentration increases. The elemental analysis of PEO films was conducted using Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer(EDS). The cross-sectional elemental analysis result shows that the Si concentration tends to increase as the concentration of Na₂SiO₃ increases. X-Ray Diffraction(XRD) analysis was performed to confirm the degree of phase change according to Na₂SiO₃ concentration. In addition, Vickers hardness was measured to confirm the mechanical strength of the PEO film. As the concentration of Na₂SiO₃ increases, the hardness value also tends to increase.

Keywords Plasma electrolytic oxidation; Unipolar pulse; Al6061; Sodium silicate