Tribological properties of anode-spark coatings on aluminum alloys

It is established that at present the technology of anode-spark coatings in general is well studied. However, the lack of recommendations for the choice of modes of technological processes and tribological characteristics in different operating conditions limit the widespread introduction of this technology. The task of this work was to analyze the processes of anode-spark coatings, improve technology and study the wear resistance of samples processed by this and traditional anode technology. The development of technology for the application of protective coatings on valve metals in the conditions of spark discharge included the choice of electrolyte and mode of operation of the bath: voltage, current density, hydrodynamic conditions and other parameters. Wear resistance tests were performed on a special installation. Structurally, the installation is made in two positions, which allows you to test two samples with different load conditions at a constant sliding speed. The design of the installation implements the friction scheme of the liner shaft. The study of anode-spark coatings in the mode of limiting lubrication was studied in the environment of industrial oil. The wear criterion was the weight wear of the samples according to the results of weight measurements before and after wear. It is established that prolonged electrolysis in the conditions of sparking leads to the formation of anode coatings that exceed in their properties the films obtained by non-sparking oxidation. Comparative studies of the wear resistance of anode-spark coatings and galvanic anode coatings under the same test conditions showed that the wear of anode-spark coatings is almost twice lower for the entire load range. The considered technology is recommended for increase of wear resistance of elements of devices from the aluminum alloys working in the conditions of corrosion and mechanical wear