Anodization of Aluminium Samples in Boric Acid Solutions by Optical Interferometry Techniques

Abstract

In the present investigation, holographic interferometry was utilized for the first time to monitor in situ the thickness of the oxide film of aluminium samples during anodization processes in boric acid solutions. The anodization process (oxidation) of the aluminium samples was carried out by the technique of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS), in different concentrations of boric acid (0.5-5.0% H3BO3) at room temperature. In the mean time, the real-time holographic interferometry was used to measure the thickness of anodized (oxide) film of the aluminium samples in solutions. Consequently, holographic interferometry is found very useful for surface finish industries especially for monitoring the early stage of anodization processes of metals, in which the thickness of the anodized film of the aluminium samples can be determined without any physical contact. In addition, measurements of electrochemical values such as the alternating current (A.C) impedance(Z), the double layer capacitance(Cdl), and the polarization resistance(Rp) of anodized films of aluminium samples in boric acid solutions were made by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). Attempts to measure electrochemical values of Z, Cdl, and Rp were not possible by holographic interferometry in boric acid especially in low concentrations of the acid. This is because of the high rate of evolutions of interferometric fringes during the anodization process of the aluminium samples in boric acid, which made measurements of Z, Cdl, and Rp are difficult.