A study on the self-sealing process of anodic films on aluminum by EIS

The electrochemical behaviors of anodized aluminum in neutral NaCl and Na₂SO₄ solutions were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results reveal that there is a self-sealing process for unsealed anodic film in neutral NaCl and Na₂SO₄ solutions. The resistance of the porous layer (R_p) and the capacitance of the barrier layer (CPE_b) increase and the capacitance of the porous layer (CPE_p) decreases with immersion time in the initial stage. Corrosion resistance provided by the anodic film is improved by the self-sealing process of the porous layer. However, chloride ions have an opposite effect. The improving effect of the self-sealing process on film resistance is decreased with the increase of chloride concentration of the solution.