Title: Corrosion characteristics of electro-codeposited coatings on Al-Mg-Si alloy as aluminium conductors in automotive application

Authors: Vincent Tau; Patricia Popoola; Modupeola Dada

Addresses: Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa ' Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa ' Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa

Abstract: Al-Mg-Si alloys, commonly used in automotive applications, are susceptible to corrosion, causing decreased conductivity, increased electrical resistance and premature failure. Nonetheless, due to their increased hardness and resistance to corrosion and wear, metal matrix Ni-Cu/In coatings enhanced with nanoparticles are used in a wide range of engineering applications. The results of the investigation via electrocodeposition showed that the Ni-5Cu-3. In ternary coating presented outstanding corrosion resistance properties with a high potential and low current density as compared to the substrate. The corrosion potential Ecorr and current density Icorr for the 3 wt. % In changed from -0.442 V to -0.721 V and 1.82E-06 mA/cm² to 2.44E-04 mA/cm², respectively. This research could significantly influence the design and manufacture of aluminium conductors for automotive applications by understanding the corrosion characteristics of electro-codeposited coatings on Al-Mg-Si alloys.

Keywords: Ni-Cu/In coatings; electrodeposition; corrosion mechanism.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2024.142234

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2024 Vol.18 No.4, pp.275 - 286

Received: 11 Jul 2023
Accepted: 23 Oct 2023
Published online: 15 Oct 2024 *

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