Thermodynamic Simulation of Microarc Oxidation of Aluminum and Its Alloys in Aqueous Borate Electrolytes

— The the main results of development of thermodynamic physicochemical simulation of microarc oxidation on an aluminum alloy in an atypical aqueous borate electrolyte of predefined composition under conditions of varying temperature are discussed. In the scope of this study, the appropriate methods of solution and thermodynamic databases have been developed for efficient implementation of the simulation system. The roles of each component of the aqueous borate electrolyte as well as of aluminum substrate have been substantiated, and the influence of state variables (composition and temperature) on physicochemical transformations has been determined for the conditions of microarc oxidation in borate solutions. The results define the basis for application of the obtained regularities and subsequent optimization of microarc oxidation aimed at production of coatings with preset operation properties.