Study of DLC film effect in the corrosion and wear resistance of the Al 7050-T7451 alloy

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are the basis for the fabrication of aircraft structures because they exhibit interesting properties such as low density, adequate mechanical strength when subjected to aging treatment and high ductility. However, its low hardness can compromise wear resistance, while the precipitates produced in the aging treatment can influence the corrosion resistance of the material. DLC coating have been the focus of many current research due to their properties like chemical inertia, low coefficient of friction, high hardness and interesting optical properties. These films have, for example, extremely high wear resistance. However, growth defects of the DLC film may impair the corrosion resistance and fatigue of the treated material. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the deposition parameters of the DLC film in order to develop a film with the minimum of possible defects and to determine the influence of this surface treatment on the corrosion resistance and abrasive micro-wear in Al7050-T7451 alloy. The treated and untreated material will be characterized by metallography, hardness, profilometer, FTIR and Raman spectrometry. Potentiodynamic corrosion tests and micro abrasive wear by fixed ball will be carried out on the base materials and treated materials. Thus, it will be possible to determine if this treatment may be an alternative to improve the surface properties of the alloy studied.