Zirconium-phosphate films self-assembled on aluminum substrate toward corrosion protection

Zirconium-phosphate self-assembled films and their derivatives have been developed on aluminum alloy, AL1100. The characterizations of the self-assembled zirconium phosphate layers were executed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. To examine the resistance of the films against corrosion, a salt-spray test has been executed. The test results have indicated that self-assembled zirconium-phosphate derivative films effectively protected aluminum substrates. In particular, the multi-layered zirconium-phosphate film fabricated by adsorbing 1,12-dodecyldiphosphonic acid has shown superior anti-corrosion properties to AL1100. The zirconium-phosphate self-assembled monolayers would be promising for surface finishing.