Effect of surface preparation treatments on copper enrichment on 2024 aluminium alloy surface

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to analyse the surface modifications of AA-2024-T3 induced by model pre-treatment baths such as H2SO4, HNO3, in a mixture both acids. These acids are commonly for pickling treatment, applied before conversion coating deposition. ToF-SIMS XPS measurements showed significant copper enrichment metallic oxidised states, localised at oxide/metal interface. The sulphuric acid treatment led highest Cu enrichment. A lower dissolution rate AA-2024 was observed inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES). It concluded that is mainly associated with dealloying intermetallic particles selective less noble elements.