Method of anodising magnesium and alloys thereof using an electrolyte containing ammonium and/or volatile amines and a phosphate source

摘要

The method of anodizing magnesium or an alloy thereof comprises immersing the magnesium or an alloy thereof in an electrolyte as an anode and providing a cathode in or for the electrolyte and passing a current through the electrolyte. The electrolyte is characterized by possessing a pH of 7 or greater and includes or comprises in water: i) at least one volatile amine or ammonia and at least one volatile amine and ii) phosphoric acid or a water soluble phosphate salt thereof. The amine can be methylamine, ethylamine, diethylene triamine or ethanolamine.