Effect of trace Sn on corrosion behaviors of high voltage anode aluminum foil

The cube texture and the surface corrosion structure of aluminum anode foil for high voltage electrolytic capacitor containing trace Sn were investigated based on quantitative texture analysis and microstructure observation under SEM. High volume fraction of cube texture over 95% and obviously higher specific capacity are obtained in the foils with less than 0.002% Sn. It is indicated that the corrosion behavior of trace Sn on aluminum surface is similar with that of Pb. Higher content of Sn over 0.002% reduces the cube texture component and therefore the specific capacity. Sn, as an eco-friendly microelement, can be applied to replace Pb in improving the homogenous pitting behaviors of high voltage aluminum foils.