Analysis of frictional performance of microarc oxidized aluminum alloys in various media: Integration of experimental and MD simulation approaches

This study investigates the tribological behavior of aluminum alloy and micro-arc oxidation (MAO)-treated aluminum alloy under different environmental conditions using a combination of experimental friction tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MAO process was applied to the aluminum alloy to form a protective alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) coating, revealed that MAO treatment significantly reduces the friction coefficient and wear rate of the aluminum alloy across dry, water, and NaCl solution environments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that MAO-treated samples exhibited improved wear resistance compared to untreated samples, with reduced wear depths and widths in all tested media. MD simulations further elucidated the friction-reducing mechanisms, showing that the alumina layer on MAO-treated surfaces reduces interface temperatures by mitigating frictional heat generation and enhancing lubrication effects in aqueous solutions. These findings underscore the potential of MAO as a viable surface treatment technique for enhancing the durability and performance stability of aluminum alloy components in various industrial applications.