THE CORROSION PROTECTION PROPERTIES OF A CERIUM OXIDE CONVERSION COATING ON ALUMINIUM ALLOY AA 2024

摘要

A corrosion protection coating, based on the hydrated oxides of the rare earth metal cerium has been developed for use on the high strength aluminium alloy, AA 2024. This coating has the potential to replace chromate conversion coatings, which are currently used throughout the aircraft industry. It has been shown that under continuous salt spray conditions this coating provides a level of corrosion protection comparable to that expected from chromate conversion coatings. This paper describes the results of both laboratory and outdoor corrosion tests, and the composition and morphological characteristics of the coating.