Formation of oxide layers modified with polytetrafluoroethylene or graphite on aluminum and titanium alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation

For one-stage formation of coatings containing polytetrafluoroethylene or graphite, it was proposed to use Na₂SiO₃ + NaOH aqueous electrolyte containing siloxane-acrylate emulsion and dispersed powders of polytetrafluoroethylene or graphite. The phase and elemental composition and surface morphology of the formed coatings were determined. It was shown that the introduction of polytetrafluoroethylene markedly increases the hydrophobic and wear-resistant properties of coatings.     

Corrosion studies and interfacial bonding of urea/poly(dimethylsiloxane) sol/gel hydrophobic coatings on AA 2024 aluminum alloy

Bis[(ureapropyl)triethoxysilane] bis(propyl)-terminated-polydimethylsiloxane 1000 (PDMSU), an organic-inorganic hybrid, diluted in either EtOH or a mixture of EtOH-PrOH, was used in thin film form (<200 nm) to inhibit the corrosion of AA 2024 alloy. Potentiodynamic, time-dependent cyclovoltammetric measurements and salt spray tests showed that the corrosion inhibition of the latter was 10 times higher than that of the former films. This was correlated with the higher degree of hydrolysis and the formation of more open polyhedral silsesquioxane species (T2) in the bulk heat-treated PDMSU/EtOH-PrOH xerogels (29Si NMR spectra). The structure of the coatings deposited on AA 2024 Al alloy was deduced from the infrared reflection-absorption (IR RA) spectra, which revealed more extensive urea-urea interactions and more efficient silane-Al interface bonding for the PDMSU/EtOH-PrOH coatings with higher corrosion inhibition. Ex situ IR RA potentiodynamic spectroelectrochemical measurements of PDMSU coatings revealed that their degradation did not proceed via the formation of silanol groups and consequent hydration of the coatings but that they decomposed above E(corr) by forming fragments composed of -CH2- segments in an all-trans conformation.     

Synthesis and separation of mellitic acid and graphite oxide colloid through electrochemical oxidation of graphite in deionized water

Electrochemical oxidation of graphite anode in deionized water at galvanostatic mode is investigated. It is found that mellitic acid and graphite oxide colloid (>20 nm) are coexisted as main products, as identified by XRD and TEM, FTIR and XPS. They can be separated successfully through several procedures. A few amounts of graphene and graphene rolls are also appeared as co-products.     

Surface modification of titanium alloy with the Ti3Al + TiB2/TiN composite coatings

Laser cladding of the Ti₃Al + TiB₂ pre‐placed alloy powder on the Ti–6Al–4 V alloy in nitrogen protective atmosphere can form the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN composite coating, which can dramatically improve the wear resistance of the Ti–6Al–4 V alloy surface. In this study, the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN composite coatings on the Ti–6Al–4 V alloy have been researched by means of X‐ray diffraction, SEM and energy dispersive spectrometry. It was found that there is a metallurgical combination between the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN composite coating and the substrate. The microhardness of the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN composite coatings were 3 ~ 4 times higher than that of the Ti–6Al–4 V alloy because of the actions of the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN hard phases and the grain refinement strengthening. Moreover, the wear mass losses of the Ti₃Al + TiB₂/TiN composite coatings were much lower than that of the substrate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Corrosion behavior of electroless Ni–P/TiO2 nanocomposite coatings

Composite Ni–P/nano‐TiO₂ coatings were prepared by simultaneous electroless deposition of Ni–P and nano‐TiO₂ on a low carbon steel substrate. The deposition was carried out from stirred solutions containing suspended nano‐TiO₂ particles. The Ni–P and Ni–P/nano‐TiO₂ coatings before and after heat treatment were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The micro‐structural morphologies of the coatings significantly varied with the nano‐TiO₂ content. The corrosion resistance of as‐plated and heat‐treated Ni–P and Ni–P/nano‐TiO₂ coatings was investigated by anodic polarization, Tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies in 3.5% NaCl solution. Ni–P/nano‐TiO₂ coating exhibited superior corrosion resistance over Ni–P coating. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of ionic and electronic properties of titanium oxide on the electrochemical growth and redox behavior of polyaniline on titanium surfaces

Polyaniline (PANI) was electrodeposited directly from aniline (ANI)-containing sulfuric acid media on Ti|TiO₂ electrodes, which were prepared in ANI-free 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution by applying suitable anodization conditions in order to control the donor density (N _D) in the oxide layer of a fixed thickness. By using the suggested procedure, reproducible conditions for the cyclic voltammetric growth of PANI on Ti can be achieved, and most importantly, the properties of Ti|TiO₂|PANI electrodes can be modulated to meet the requirements for specific applications. The polymerization rate and the deposited amount of PANI were found to depend strongly on the N _D estimated by Mott-Schottky analysis. The redox behavior of the resulted Ti|TiO₂|PANI electrodes indicated differences in acid solutions as compared with the corresponding behavior of other PANI-modified metal surfaces. Analysis of the anodic and cathodic electrochemical response of the prepared Ti|TiO₂|PANI electrodes discloses the significant role of ionic and electronic properties of the intervening oxide between the metal support and PANI.     

The electrochemical behavior and characterization of the anodic oxide film formed on titanium in NaOH solutions

Titanium dissolution and passivation were studied in NaOH aqueous solution using open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic and potentiostatic techniques. Potentiodynamic data showed that the active-passive transition involves active metal dissolution followed by formation of a poorly conducting passive oxide film that passivates the electrode. The critical current density varied with pH as d log<I> j</I><SUB>m</SUB>/d pH=-0.098 in the pH range 11.00–14.00, while the passivation potential is changed according to the following two features: at pH 10.55–13.00, d<I>E</I><SUB>m</SUB>/d pH=-0.06 V; and at pH 13.50–14.00, d<I>E</I><SUB>m</SUB>/d pH=-0.40 V. The apparent activation energy, E*, was calculated from the slope of the Arrhenius plot and was found to be 12.6 kJ mol^–1. Current-time transients showed that the growth of titanium oxide passive film is a diffusion-controlled process. XPS measurements indicated that the passive oxide film consists mainly of TiO₂ and a mixture of suboxides of Ti₂O₃ and TiO. Electronic Publication     

Corrosion behavior in artificial seawater of thermal-sprayed WC-CoCr coatings on mild steel by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The corrosion behavior in artificial seawater of different as-sprayed ceramic-metallic (cermet) coatings applied on low-alloy steel was studied. Five conditions, associated to modifications of the composition of the powder or deposition parameters were evaluated. The degradation mechanisms were studied during extended immersion tests using conventional electrochemical measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The extended immersion tests reveal that these as-thermal-sprayed coatings present a cathodic behavior compared with steel. During the first hours of immersion, the electrolyte infiltrates the defects of the coatings, which then result to the local degradation of the substrate accelerated by the galvanic coupling with the cermet coating. Optical observations and Raman analyses reveal the formation of calcium carbonates like aragonite on the cermet surface, very close to the appearance of local anodic sites. The cross-sectioned views reveal the infiltration of the corrosive solution, and the depth penetration of the degradation of steel substrate probably due to the acidification of the anodic sites.     

Theoretical investigation of the electrochemical mechanism of water splitting on a titanium oxide cluster model

The step-by-step electrochemical mechanism of water splitting by removal of protons and electrons is examined for the reaction of one and two water molecules on a Ti(2)O(4) cluster. Density functional theory (B3LYP) and coupled cluster single point calculations are employed to compute gas phase reaction energies. The polarizable continuum model (PCM) is utilized to calculate energies in the aqueous phase. Both neutral and alkaline media are considered. Proton and electron removal steps are generally found to be highly endothermic, with the exception of proton removal steps in alkaline medium. The effect of an external potential on reaction energies is considered. Oxygen-oxygen bonds form after the removal of only two electrons.     

Adsorption of ammonia on graphite oxide/aluminium polycation and graphite oxide/zirconium-aluminium polyoxycation composites

Graphite oxide (GO) synthesized from commercial graphite was modified with aluminium or zirconium-aluminium polyoxycations and then calcined at 350 degrees C. On the samples obtained adsorption of ammonia from moist air was investigated. The surface of materials before and after exposure to ammonia was characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, XRD, SEM, FTIR, TA, CHN analysis, and potentiometric titration. The results showed that in spite of the fact that graphite composites/pillared graphites (PG) have Keggin-like ions located between the layers, that space blocked for nitrogen molecules used to determine the specific surface area. During calcinations, the deflagration of layers occurred as a result of decomposition of epoxy groups. This results in formation of disordered graphitic carbons with some mesoporosity. Even though these materials were not porous, the significant amount of ammonia was retained on the surface. Since ammonia molecule is able to specifically interact with oxygen groups of graphite oxide and Br?nsted centers of inorganic pillars, it is likely intercalated between the composite layers. While the best performance was found for GO modified with aluminium-zirconium species, after calcinations the samples containing Keggin Al(13) like cations revealed the high capacity which is linked to the high acidity of incorporated inorganic compounds.     

Polymer/graphite nanocomposites: Effect of reducing the functional groups of graphite oxide on water barrier properties

Water barrier properties (i.e., water resistance) of poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/graphite oxide (poly(St-co-BA)/GO) nanocomposites were studied using hydrophobicity and permeability analysis. Poly(St-co-BA)/GO nanocomposite latices were obtained using the miniemulsion polymerization technique. The hydrophobicity of the synthesized nanocomposites was studied using contact angle measurements, while water permeability was obtained by measuring the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). The nanocomposites were treated with hydrazine hydrate in order to reduce the functional groups on graphite oxide (GO). The focus was on determining the effect of reducing the functional groups of GO on the water barrier properties of its polymer nanocomposites. In general, the nanolayered graphene platelets in GO and RGO resulted in lower water permeation in the final films compared to pure polymer. However, results showed that nanocomposites containing the reduced-GO (RGO) had better water resistance and barrier properties compared to those made with unreduced GO (i.e., as-prepared GO). The nanocomposites containing RGO had higher hydrophobicity and lower water uptake and MVTR compared to those made with as-prepared GO, resulting in better barrier performance. This was attributed to the high hydrophobic nature of the RGO, which exhibited lower water solubility that resulted in films with lower MVTR values compared to those made with as-prepared GO.     

Studies on the repassivation behavior of aluminum and aluminum alloy exposed to chromate solutions

This study explores the repassivation ability of a scratch in a chromate conversion coating (CCC) on aluminum alloy, AA2024‐T3, and hence evaluates the theory of migration of hexavalent chromium ions from the protected surface of the aluminum alloy to the exposed surface. To confirm that protection was indeed restored by hexavalent chromium ions, the repassivation of a scratch on pure aluminum exposed to a dichromate solution was studied. This forms the simplest subsystem model of the CCC on the alloy in which the CCC is replaced by pure hexavalent chromium and alloy with pure aluminum. Open‐circuit potential measurements, synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy (SIRMS) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) have been used judiciously to evaluate the repassivation behavior. Results indicate that the dichromate ions have high mobility. The slow migration of Cr(VI) ions from the protected surface to the scratch is observed to result in repassivation, as seen from the steady increase in the potential in 0.05 M NaCl solution. The results obtained from SIMS and SIRMS confirm the migration of the oxyanions from the protected region to the metal surface exposed by the scratch. The SIRMS results indicate the formation of an Al(III)–Cr(VI) complex, proposed and shown to be formed in the pits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structures and magnetic properties of iron- and cobalt-containing oxide coatings on an aluminum alloy formed in electrolytes via plasma electrolytic oxidation

The effect of the nature of the supporting electrolyte in the composition of electrolytic suspensions containing dispersed particles of Fe(III) and Co(II) hydroxides, and of anodic and bipolar anodic-cathodic polarization on features of the formation, composition, and magnetic characteristics of oxide coatings is studied. In all cases, iron and cobalt are incorporated into the coatings and are concentrated predominantly in pores. The pores of the coatings include particles consisting of the reduced metals, presumably surrounded by oxide or hydroxide shells. The electrolyte composition affects the concentration and ratio of the metals in the particles. A correlation is observed between the ferro- or ferrimagnetism of the coatings and the content and ratio of cobalt and iron in the pores.     

The effect of TiO2 on the structure and devitrification behavior of potassium titanium germanate glass

The effect of replacing 20 mol% of GeO₂ by TiO₂ on the properties of potassium germanate glass was investigated. The structure and devitrification behaviour of glasses were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed that potassium titanium germanate has a higher glass transition temperature and a higher thermal stability vs. crystallization. The presence of two exothermic peaks on the DTA curve of potassium germanate glass indicates the complex crystallization process. The XRD pattern of this glass heated at the temperature of the first crystallization peak indicated that the GeO₂ and K₂Ge₇O₁₅ were formed. Only the K₂TiGe₃O₉ phase was identified, in a case when potassium titanium germanate glass was heated at the temperature of the crystallization peak.     

A nanoflower shaped gold-palladium alloy on graphene oxide nanosheets with exceptional activity for electrochemical oxidation of ethanol

We report on a new and facile method for the preparation of well-dispersed gold-palladium (AuPd) flower-shaped nanostructures on sheets of graphene oxide (GO). Transmission electron microscopy and high angle annular dark field STEM were used to characterize the morphology and composition of the new nanohybrids. The AuPd/GO composites display high electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of ethanol in strongly alkaline medium as examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Both the current density (13.16 mA?·?cm^?2 at a working potential of ?0.12 V) and the long-time stability are superior to a commercial Pd-on-carbon catalyst which is attributed to the cooperative action of the catalytic activities of Au and Pd, and the good dispersion of the alloy on the nanosheets.

Effects of synthesis conditions on the electrochemical activity of titanium anodes with iridium oxide coating

The effects of temperature, heat treatment time, and iridium content in the active layer on the electrocatalytic activity of titanium anodes with active coating during oxygen evolution in 0.5 M sulfuric acid have been investigated. The highest activity of these electrodes is reached when the temperature of final treatment is 450°C, treatment time is 25 min, and iridium content in the active layer is over 2 g/cm². An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study showed that iridium is predominantly in the tetravalent oxidized state in the active layer.     

Corrosion and electrochemical behavior of metal-oxide anodes during electrolysis with an ion-exchange membrane

The reasons for a specific behavior of anodes in chlorine electrolysis with an ion-exchange membrane are considered. The corrosion rate in modeling conditions and the predicted lifetime of anodes of different compositions are studied. The anodes’ coatings contain mixed oxides of Ir, Ru, Sn, or Ti. The effect of the anode’s position relative to the membrane and a relative stability of the anode coatings are examined in conditions simulating a heavy alkalization of the anolyte caused by a membrane rupture. A considerable advantage of using the anode with a coating containing 15, 15, and 70 mol % of RuO₂, IrO₂, and TiO₂ is demonstrated     

Photolysis of water vapor on titanium/TiO2 surfaces

The photolysis of water vapor on the surface of titanium coated polycrystalline n-TiO₂ at a temperature of 380°C is reported. A quantum conversion efficiency for hydrogen production of 2% is measured for excitation above the band gap of TiO₂. The experiments demonstrate the catalytic nature of the reaction with respect to the active material and also suggest an important role played by the titanium metal in the observations.     

Fabrication of polytetrafluoroethylene- and graphite-containing oxide layers on aluminum and titanium and their structure

Stable aqueous electrolyte emulsions with negatively charged micelles containing dispersed particles of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or graphite are obtained using siloxane-acrylate emulsion as an emulsifier. The oxide coatings formed in such electrolytes contain carbon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or graphite. The coatings with PTFE particles are similar to monolithic polytetrafluoroethylene with respect to its hydrophobic characteristics. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the surface of the formed coatings predominantly contains aliphatic carbon (C-C and C-H bonds) and some fraction of oxidized (or, in the case of PTFE-containing electrolytes, fluorinated) carbon.     

Electrodeposition and physicomechanical properties of coatings and foil of copper reinforced with nanosize aluminum oxide

Method of electrosynthesis of composite coatings and foil composed of copper reinforced with nanosize aluminum oxide is described. A method for chemical dispersion of aluminum oxide by the top-down principle and an electrolyte composition are suggested, which provide synthesis of composite materials with varied content of the modifying phase. The results of mechanical tests indicate that the plasticity, strength, and a number of other physicomechanical properties of thus synthesized composite materials are improved.