Enhancing the tribological and corrosion properties of 2A12 aluminum alloy via micro-arc oxidation and paraffin sealing

The 2A12 aluminum alloy is widely utilized in aerospace, automotive, and marine engineering due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and good machinability. However, its wear and corrosion resistance under harsh conditions are insufficient and require improvement. This study combined micro-arc oxidation (MAO) with paraffin sealing to enhance the corrosion resistance and tribological properties of 2A12 Aluminum Alloy. The results indicate that the MAO process significantly increases hardness and tribological properties, but the porosity into the oxidation layer may accelerate corrosion in corrosion environments. Paraffin sealing effectively fills these pores, reducing the penetration of corrosive agents and significantly improving corrosion resistance. Additionally, friction tests show that the hybrid coating after paraffin sealing exhibit a lower friction coefficient and wear rates. Molecular dynamics simulations (MD) further reveal the distribution of paraffin within the pores and its effect on wear and corrosion resistance. This study demonstrates that MAO combined with paraffin sealing is an effective approach to enhancing the corrosion and tribological properties of 2A12 aluminum alloy, providing new insights for its applications.