Anodic Oxidation Treatment Methods of Metals

Anodic oxidation treatment of metals is one of typical surface finishing methods which has been used for improving surface appearance, bioactivity, adhesion with paints and the resistances to corrosion and/or abrasion. This article provides fundamental principle, type and characteristics of the anodic oxidation treatment methods, including anodizing method and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. The anodic oxidation can form thick oxide films on the metal surface by electrochemical reactions under the application of electric current and voltage between the working electrode and auxiliary electrode. The anodic oxide films are classified into two types of barrier type and porous type. The porous anodic oxide films include a porous anodizing film containing regular pores, nanotubes and PEO films containing irregular pores with different sizes and shapes. Thickness and defect density of the anodic oxide films are important factors which affect the corrosion resistance of metals. The anodic oxide film thickness is limited by how fast ions can migrate through the anodic oxide film. Defect density in the anodic oxide film is dependent upon alloying elements and second-phase particles in the alloys. In this article, the principle and mechanisms of formation and growth of anodic oxide films on metals are described.

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