Aluminium alloy 8011: Surface characteristics

摘要

Aluminium alloysare the predominant materials in modern industries. Increased knowledge about the surface characteristics of bare aluminium can enhance the understanding about how to optimize the working conditions for the equipment involving aluminiumparts. This work focusses on the properties of nativesurface of aluminium alloy 8011, which is the main construction material for the production of air-to-air heat exchanger fins. In this study, we address its water wettability, surface roughness and frost formation in different psychometric parameters. The contact angle measurementsrevealed thatthis aluminium alloy exhibits a relatively high contact angle of about 78 degree, i.e. is not wetted completely. AFM measurements revealed significant surface roughness of typical heat exchanger fins. The thickness of formed frost was studied in relation to the wettability, humidity and the cold surface temperature.