Tailoring AA6063 for improving antibacterial properties

Abstract

Aluminium alloy 6063 was subjected to two different surface treatments: anodizing in sulphuric acid (SA) and the deposition of cerium conversion coatings (CeCC), in order to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the new surfaces. The microstructure and composition of the anodized samples and the cerium conversion coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). Roughness and wettability were measured for all new surfaces. Bacterial adherence studies were carried out using Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with promising results for the anodized samples.

Keywords

• Antibacterial properties
• Aluminium alloys
• Anodizing and cerium