The Electrodeposition of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys from Alkylbenzene-HBr Electrolytes Theoretical Considerations and Applications

Theoretical considerations pertaining to the electrodeposition f aluminum and aluminum alloys from alkylbenzene-HBr electrolytes are reviewed. Applications of the aluminum plating process have been reviewed with special emphasis on aluminum alloys plating, thicker coatings realization by pulse plating and barrel plating of ordinary and aircraft fas-teners. Aluminum is an almost ideal electroplating material. It is rendered corrosion resistant by its self-healing oxide layer, and it may be anodized to a very passive state by rel-atively simple procedures. Aluminum is particularly useful in replacing cadmium plating, especially in aircraft and aerospace applications. Under extreme stress conditions aluminum plating is more efficient han cadmium in preventing embrittlement of steel and titanium aircraft fasteners. In addition, the toxicity of cadmium solutions is well identified, and its us