Improved mechanical property and corrosion and wear resistance of high-voltage aluminium wires by micro-arc oxidation coating

New surface treatments are required to improve the resistance of high-voltage aluminium conductors to corrosion and wear. This paper describes the preparation of ceramic coatings on the surface of aluminium wires by the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology. The surface morphology, mechanical and tribological properties, electrical resistivity, wear and corrosion resistance of the MAO-treated aluminium samples are examined and compared not only with the untreated samples but also between the use of different current densities in the MAO process. The MAO treatment can increase the tensile strength of the wire and mitigate the wire elongation at excessive high temperature. In addition, the increased surface hardness and the overlapping micro-porous distribution of the MAO coating improve the resistance of the treated sample to wear and corrosion respectively, protecting the aluminium substrate from the joint effects of wear and corrosion. Furthermore, the MAO coating has little impact on the electrical resistivity of aluminium conductors and can mitigate the resistivity change due to corrosive damage. The MAO technology providing a potential idea for the surface treatment of aluminium conductors is expected to extend the service life and alleviate maintenance needs of aluminium conductors operating in harsh environments.