Comparative Analysis of Hard Anodized Layer on Aluminium Alloy

Hard anodized layers were produced by two different manufacturers on the same type of aluminium alloy on a vacuum pump part of complex shape. The sulphuric acid/water solution was used to produce alumina layers, which were subsequently sealed in demineralized water. A comparative analysis based on metallographic methodology, with the aim to control the stability of alumina formation process and to identify its defects, was performed by means of light and scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and microhardness measurements. To determine the thickness of alumina layers, the image analysis was also used.

A Silicon Microfabricated Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell

A silicon-based microfabricated fuel cell running on formic acid has been developed to provide a high energy and power density power source on the millimeter size scale. A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell was fabricated utilizing the Nafion™112 membrane bonded between electrodes on silicon substrates. The cell was fueled by a concentrated formic acid-water solution and the catalyst used was Pt. The preliminary result shows that the microfabricated formic acid fuel cell may be a promising alternative for very small portable fuel cell applications.