SURFACE MODIFICATION OF ALUMINUM-ALLOYS IN MOLTEN-SALTS CONTAINING CECL3

A process for surface modification of Al6061-T6 has been carried out i n molten salts containing Ce such as a NaCl-SnCl2-CeCl3 melt at 200 de grees C. Samples treated in molten salts for 2 h were subsequently exp osed to a NaCl solution for 30 days to evaluate resistance against pit ting corrosion. The coating mechanism in molten salts and the pitting corrosion behavior of the coated material have been studied by electro chemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that this coating te chnique enhances the pitting corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys i n contact with sea water.