Effect of novel cryogenic treatment in the corrosion behaviour, microstructure analysis and electrochemical properties of Al 6101 closed-cell foam

The corrosion behaviour of the closed-cell aluminium foam made of Al 6101 alloy in different heat regimes such as heat treatment (HT), cryogenic treatment (CT) and cryogenic heat treatment (CHT) are investigated in this research work. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and DC polarisation are the techniques employed in this research work. The microstructure, surface morphology and composition of the treated foam samples are evaluated using a high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX). The polarisation and electrochemical impedance measurements of the CT and HT foam samples reveal appealing results in the corrosion resistance when comparing with untreated foam sample. From the SEM images, it is evident that the deep cryogenic treatment changes the morphology of Al 6101 foam and the formation of the Guinier-Preston (GP) zone increases the density of dislocation.