Reflective Microscopy Dataset on the Formation of Zr-Based Conversion Coating on Al2024

The accompanying files contain the raw optical images and initial data processing results, conducted in Python environments, related to the spontaneous formation of a Zirconium-based conversion coating (CC) on an Al2024 alloy.

The files designated as 16-47-51.761.zip and similar, contain the raw optical images that chronicle the continuous observation of CC formation over a span of up to 40 minutes. The naming convention of these files is representative of the hours-minutes-seconds.milliseconds timestamp when the data recording began.

Image capture commenced at a rate of 5 frames per second (Hz), and subsequent images were acquired at a rate of 1 Hz. This timestamped naming approach also extends to the individual raw images, reflecting the precise time at which each image was taken. Each image measures 2000x2000 pixels, with an individual pixel resolution of 240 nanometers and a pixel depth of 12 bit.

The file labeled Image_processing.ipynb is a Jupyter lab notebook containing the image processing routine, implemented in Python 3 programming language. A PDF version of this notebook, for ease of printing and viewing, is available in the file named IMAGE_PROCESSING.pdf. This script has generated a selection of images and videos, which can be found within the Generated_images.zip and Generated_videos.zip folders.

The normalized_intensity.png file contains the most pivotal plot, which displays the normalized intensity as a function of time. This graph is designed to reflect the progression of the CC thickness, interpreted through Fresnel equations.

The video files provide unedited footage of the first 3 minutes of the Al surface's exposure to the CC solution, along with the normalized data. A side-by-side comparison of raw and normalized data for a 300x300 pixel image cut is also available in these video files.