Ce nanoparticles and sol-gel hybrid organic-inorganic coatings maximize corrosion protection in the anodized AA2024-T3

We demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of the AA2024-T3 alloy can be maximized with the application of top protective sol-gel hybrid organic-inorganic coatings. Samples combining Ce nanoparticles within the pores of the anodic layer with the top sol-gel coatings were observed to outperform samples featuring only the coating. This research unravels the self-healing capability against corrosion of the sol-gel coating when Ce nanoparticles are present, as well as a good coverage of defective regions within the oxide by the hybrid layer. This research opens a paradigm aiming at maximizing the corrosion resistance for non-ferrous anodized alloys. [Display omitted] •The post-treatment increases the corrosion resistance of the sealed anodized layer.•The deposition of Ce nanoparticles within the pores and defects of the anodic layer has been demonstrated.•Sol-gel coating penetrates within the pores and defective regions of the anodic layer.•The self-healing ability of the sample with the Ce post-treatment was demonstrated.