Identification of bubble evolution mechanisms during AC electrograining

Bubble evolution during AC-graining is analysed in combination with the variation of the anodic peaks of the potential and the electrode surface morphology. Aluminium samples are grained in hydrochloric acid in an Inverted Rotating Disk Electrode. A roughness tester is used to characterise the electrode surface, while shadow imaging is applied to determine the bubble size distribution. An interpretation of the correlation existing among bubble size, potential peaks evolution, surface properties and smut layer formation is proposed, which provides insights into the mechanisms involved in bubble formation.