Abstract
Being a superior metal of tire mould, aluminum alloy samples were treated by an electrolytic plasma in order to improve the surface anti-adhesive properties and reduce the release force of molds. The low wettability and anti-adhesive behaviours were investigated. From photographs of SEM, the treated surface presented micro- nano binary structures. The water contact angles were measured by an optical contact angle meter, and the surface-free energy of the modified aluminum alloy was proved to be decreased. Furthermore, the effects of some process parameters, such as current densities, electrolysis plasma treating time, electrolyte temperature, and electrolyte concentration, on the low wettability of modified sample surfaces were provided. The results show that the micro-nano structures fabricated by electrolytic plasma method have an advantage in reducing the adhesion force. The hydrophilic surface was transformed into the hydrophobic surface after electrolytic plasma treatment. Consequently, it is feasible to improve the anti-adhesive property for preparing micro-nano structures and increasing contact angles on the aluminum alloy surface.
