Experiential learning - a comparison of the effectiveness of surface pre-treatment methods for surface active alloys

Abstract

Engineering graduates’ generic skills in high degree can be developed only by experiential learning. The main opportunity for acquiring these skills is in the course work or final thesis. Coating components made of aluminium alloys causes serious problems. The bond strength of most aluminium alloy coatings is relatively weak because of a permanent, chemically continuous oxide barrier. Surface pre-treatment is one of the most important factors in achieving strong and stable adhesion. The most common treatments are mechanical abrasion, vapour degreasing and alkaline cleaning. Analysis of the surface of the cleaned specimens showed that different cleaning methods in high degree affect the surface of the aluminium alloy. This article focuses on work carried out by students during their Master ’s degree studies. This experiential learning project has proved successful in its aims, associated with practical skills and the use of modern technological equipment, and proved to be an effective motivator for research-based projects.