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  1. rmain

    Surface oxidation on Aluminum Alloy & electrical continuity

    I posted this issue to physicsforums, where there were some helpful suggestions & links. I think the final answer is that the natural oxide layer _is_ present, but it only takes a few volts potential difference for the insulation to break down & conduct. You did mention earlier "If your voltage...
  2. rmain

    Surface oxidation on Aluminum Alloy & electrical continuity

    Thanks for the link. It's an interesting paper, but I don't know how much it applies. They're intentionally growing thin aluminum oxide layers from Aluminum Nitride (on a silicon substrate) under controlled lab conditions. I don't know if their 'lab purity' oxide compares in any way to oxide...
  3. rmain

    Surface oxidation on Aluminum Alloy & electrical continuity

    What is 'high enough voltage' to overcome a typical (natural air-sourced) thickness of aluminum oxide? I know anodized aluminum is essentially a 'thick' (up to 100s of microns) oxide coating, but as the oxide layer is also porous they also apply a sealer, which can also impact continuity. I did...
  4. rmain

    Surface oxidation on Aluminum Alloy & electrical continuity

    Thanks for responding, Tug. I've seen your responses to similar questions on eng-tips. We are already planning on applying electroless nickel plating on one of the key components. The 'messy conductive grease' will be used to help assembly with a (conductive) o-ring (for pressure seal) &...
  5. rmain

    Surface oxidation on Aluminum Alloy & electrical continuity

    I'm using aluminum alloy (6061-T6 sheet at the moment) to construct a chassis for mechanical support of an assembly. This chassis also serves as part of an EMI mitigation system (RF, GHz range), so I need to ensure electrical continuity between the chassis and other components of the system. I...
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