Process for the manufacture of sealed anodized aluminum components

摘要

A more efficient process of sealing an anodized aluminum article, which can facilitate higher production rates than conventional sealing techniques, includes steps of providing an article comprised of aluminum or an aluminum alloy that has been anodized, treating the oxide layer with a solution containing an anion capable of combining with a cation to form a water-insoluble precipitate, and contacting the treated oxide layer with a second solution containing a cation which combines with the anion to form a water-insoluble precipitate. In certain embodiments, the oxide layer can be treated with a dye to provide a sealed anodized aluminum article exhibiting enhanced dye retention.

主权项

1. A process of sealing an anodized aluminum article, comprising:
providing an article comprised of aluminum or an aluminum alloy that has been anodized to increase a thickness of a natural oxide layer at a surface of the article; optionally treating the oxide layer with a dye to impart color to the surface of the article; treating the oxide layer with a first solution containing an anion capable of combining with a cation to form a water-insoluble precipitate, such that the duration of contact between the oxide layer and the first solution is less than 5 minutes; and contacting the treated oxide layer with a second solution containing a cation that combines with the anion to form a water-insoluble precipitate.