Adhesive bond strength of PEO coated AA6060-T6

Adhesive bonding is a key joining technique for aluminium alloy components in the automotive industry. Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) an emerging surface treatment protection of metal alloys including those aluminium. This work set out to assess adhesive bond strength and behaviour PEO coated AA6060-T6. Thin (15 25 μm) oxide coatings were produced on AA6060-T6 by electrolytic phosphate silicate-phosphate electrolytes. The characterised extensively, then adhesively bonded lap-shear joints loaded failure under tensile mode evaluate samples. Surface fracture analysis was carried determine modes joints. mechanism compared characteristic features coatings, attempt identify governing properties. It found that could withstand high loading; however, governed cohesive layers. All thicker electrolyte ultimately experienced within region. Thinner displayed favourable with occurring adhesive, which highlights possibility be used parts.