Determining the molecular compsition of modified aluminim surfaces using vibrational spectroscopies

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Abstract
The surface of aluminum alloy sheet often is chemically modified to promote wetting, corrosion resistance, and adhesion of polymeric coatings. A detailed description of the molecular composition of such pretreated surfaces usually is unknown, although this knowledge is vital in designing better surfaces. Both reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) have been employed to charscterize thin (few tens of angstroms) films on aluminum. The results from these studies on chromate-phosphate coatings (chromium phosphate conversion coatings) and phosphonic acid anodized layers on aluminum have provided a me detailed understanding of the structure of these engineered surfaces. The nature of interaction between the pretreatment species and the aluminum substrate has been determined, and a possible orientation of these species with respect to the substrate is suggested. The strengths and limitations of both techniques will be discussed within the confines of investigating rough aluminum surfaces.

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