ABSTRACT
Aluminum alloys have been widely used in automotive, aircraft, and ordnance industries because of their relatively high strength to weight ratio and low competitive price. Some metallic or ceramic films were utilized in aluminum alloys to improve their abrasion resistance or corrosion resistance, especially at room temperature [1-3].The oxide films present on the surface of aluminum alloy quickly dissolve in acidic conditions, thereby reducing its corrosion resistance, which in turn limits its applications in the field of molding. In practical application, appropriate surface treatment methods are necessary to improve the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys [4,5]. Recently, plasma ion implantation technology has been developed because of its stronger bonding force between the modified layer and matrix interface and potential to handle multi-directional complex shape components. At present, more studies are focused on the increase of wear resistance of aluminum alloy by plasma ion implantation technology. However, few studies lay emphasis on corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy. R.J Rodriguez [6] used this technology to modify aluminum alloy substrate, which resulted in the formation of AIN layer on the surface of the alloy and increment of its hardness and wear resistance. This paper dealt with the preparation of AlN-modified layer on the QC-10 surface by means of plasma ion implantation technology. The thickness of the modified AlN layer was controlled by implantation energy. Phase structure and corrosion resistance of AlN layer were also investigated.
