Papers by Author: Monica Trueba

Abstract: Oxide films have been produced on AM60B magnesium alloy using micro-arc oxidation process in an environmentally friendly alkaline solution with and without addition of different oxides nanoparticles (TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃). In order to seal the oxides porosity generated in the sparking process, a silane-based top coat has been applied. The surface morphology of samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Scratch tests were performed for evaluating the adhesion strength of the anodic oxides. The corrosion resistance of the oxide- silane- based topcoat composite coatings was evaluated in 3.5% NaCl solution using anodic polarization tests. The anodizing in oxides nanoparticles rich solutions (ZrO₂ or Al₂O₃), followed by a silane top coat treatment performed using OSi as precursor, is an interesting way to synthesize adherent corrosion resistant coatings on magnesium alloy AM60B.

Abstract: It was previously demonstrated that the use of a pyrrole-based silane (PySi) for surface treatment of Al alloys provides both active and barrier protection due to the deposition of a hybrid coating, containing polypyrrole and polysiloxane chains. To further explore these features, a wider range of Al substrates and different silane-based formulations in terms of silane molecule, solvent nature, water amount and pH, were investigated. Also, some tests were carried out by using aniline-based silane (AniSi). Structural/morphological characterization of the coatings, as well as the investigation of PySi solutions by diverse spectroscopic techniques, in addition to corrosion tests in NaCl, strongly support the very promising protection performance of the hybrid film. This is indicated as well from the preliminary results obtained with the AniSi-based approach. Thus, typical silane-based treatments with principally barrier action can gain in active properties if the silane compound contains monomers of conducting polymers as a funtional group.

Abstract: An alternative approach was developed for surface treatment of as-received commercial AA 2024 T3 by using a pyrrole-based silane (SiPy). For film deposition, just one immersion step is enough, followed by curing. SiPy layer structure contains both polysiloxane bonds and pyrrole oligomers, with some degree of doping, giving a highly coherent layer. The superior film quality with respect to simple polysiloxane, is probably the main reason for the better corrosion performance obtained for SiPy on 2024.