Abstract:Feasibility of electrodepositing aluminum coatings on the rare earth alloy in the acidic AlCl3-EMIC (2:1) room temperature molten salts was discussed, and the effects of pretreatment process of the rare earth alloy on aluminum coatings was studied. The microscopic analysis for the surface and interface of the samples was performed by SEM, EDS and XRD and the adhesion was determined by score-tearing test. The results show that the aluminum coatings can be electrodeposited on rare earth alloys in the room temperature molten salts. The pretreatment in kerosene for the rare earth alloy surface can prevent the emergence of rare earth oxide film; thus, uniform and dense aluminum coatings with good adhesion can be achieved. Under the condition of current density 2 A/dm2 and deposition time 2500 s, aluminum coatings with the particle size of 10 μm and the thickness of 17 μm can be obtained and the current efficiency is close to 100%. The mechanism of electrodeposition of aluminum on rare earth alloy surface was also discussed