Tomographic Studies of Coated Metal Surfaces

Destructive and non-destructive tomography, employing electrons and X-rays respectively, is available with new in-SEM approaches employing 3View and XuM methods. Further within an environmental scanning electron microscope (FEG-ESEM) , the opportunity is available to undertake tomography under controlled enviromental conditions, including control of locals temperatures to levels approaching 10000C. Te combined approaches described will be focused on coated aluminium alloys to examine performance under selected conditions. The examples considered include the durability of plasma electrolytic oxidized aluminium alloys at elevated temperature consistent with application in automotive engines. A further example, again within the automotive industry, is to examine the paint bake cycle and paint curing, microstructure evolution in the aluminum alloy closure panels and the development of defects at the interface between the alloy and coating. The information revealed will be used to improve material performance through review of processing conditions together with consideration of factors that can contribute to reduced manufacturing costs. Material suppliers nad end-users will assist in application of the results.