Anodizing
Anodizing
Anodizing
Anodizing
Anodizing (also spelled "anodising", particularly in the UK and
Australia) is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the
thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.
The process is called "anodizing" because the part to be treated forms
the anode electrode of an electrical circuit. Anodizing increases
corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and provides better adhesion
for paint primers and glues than does bare metal. Anodic films can also
be used for a number of cosmetic effects, either with thick porous
coatings that can absorb dyes or with thin transparent coatings that add
interference effects to reflected light.
Anodization changes the microscopic texture of the surface and changes the crystal structure of the metal near the
surface. Thick coatings are normally porous, so a sealing process is often needed to achieve corrosion resistance.
Anodized aluminium surfaces, for example, are harder than aluminium but have low to moderate wear resistance that
can be improved with increasing thickness or by applying suitable sealing substances. Anodic films are generally
much stronger and more adherent than most types of paint and metal plating, but also more brittle. This makes them
less likely to crack and peel from aging and wear, but more susceptible to cracking from thermal stress.
History
Anodizing was first used on an industrial scale in 1923 to protect Duralumin seaplane parts from corrosion. This
early chromic acidbased process was called the Bengough-Stuart process and was documented in British defence
specification DEF STAN 03-24/3. It is still used today despite its legacy requirements for a complicated voltage
cycle now known to be unnecessary. Variations of this process soon evolved, and the first sulfuric acid anodizing
process was patented by Gower and O'Brien in 1927. Sulfuric acid soon became and remains the most common
anodizing electrolyte.
Oxalic acid anodizing was first patented in Japan in 1923 and later widely used in Germany, particularly for
architectural applications. Anodized aluminium extrusion was a popular architectural material in the 1960s and
1970s, but has since been displaced by cheaper plastics and powder coating. The phosphoric acid processes are the
Anodizing
most recent major development, so far only used as pretreatments for adhesives or organic paints. A wide variety of
proprietary and increasingly complex variations of all these anodizing processes continue to be developed by
industry, so the growing trend in military and industrial standards is to classify by coating properties rather than by
process chemistry.
Anodized aluminium
Aluminium alloys are anodized to increase corrosion resistance and to allow dyeing (coloring), improved lubrication,
or improved adhesion.However, anodizing does not increase the strength of the aluminium object. The anodic layer
is non-conductive.
When exposed to air at room temperature, or any other gas containing oxygen, pure aluminium self-passivates by
forming a surface layer of amorphous aluminium oxide 2 to 3 nm thick, which provides very effective protection
against corrosion. Aluminium alloys typically form a thicker oxide layer, 5-15nm thick, but tend to be more
susceptible to corrosion. Aluminium alloy parts are anodized to greatly increase the thickness of this layer for
corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys is significantly decreased by certain alloying
elements or impurities: copper, iron, and silicon, so 2000, 4000, and 6000-series Al alloys tend to be most
susceptible.
Although anodizing produces a very regular and uniform coating, microscopic fissures in the coating can lead to
corrosion. Further, the coating is susceptible to chemical dissolution in the presence of high and low pH chemistry,
which results in stripping the coating and corrosion of the substrate. To combat this, various techniques have been
developed either to reduce the number of fissures or to insert more chemically stable compounds into the oxide, or
both. For instance, sulfuric anodized articles are normally sealed, either through hydro-thermal sealing or
precipitating sealing, to reduce porosity and interstitial pathways that allow for corrosive ion exchange between the
surface and the substrate. Precipitating seals enhance chemical stability but are less effective in eliminating ion
exchange pathways. Most recently, new techniques to partially convert the amorphous oxide coating into more stable
micro-crystalline compounds have been developed that have shown significant improvement based on shorter bond
lengths.
Some aluminium aircraft parts, architectural materials, and consumer products are anodized. Anodized aluminium
can be found on mp3 players, smartphones, multi-tools, flashlights, cookware, cameras, sporting goods, window
frames, roofs, in electrolytic capacitors, and on many other products both for corrosion resistance and the ability to
retain dye. Although anodizing only has moderate wear resistance, the deeper pores can better retain a lubricating
film than a smooth surface would.
Anodized coatings have a much lower thermal conductivity and coefficient of linear expansion than aluminium. As a
result, the coating will crack from thermal stress if exposed to temperatures above 80 C. The coating can crack, but
it will not peel. The melting point of aluminium oxide is 2050 C, much higher than pure aluminium's 658 C. This
and the non-conductivity of aluminum oxide can make welding more difficult.
In typical commercial aluminium anodization processes, the aluminium oxide is grown down into the surface and out
from the surface by equal amounts. So anodizing will increase the part dimensions on each surface by half the oxide
thickness. For example, a coating that is 2 m thick will increase the part dimensions by 1 m per surface. If the part
is anodized on all sides, then all linear dimensions will increase by the oxide thickness. Anodized aluminium
surfaces are harder than aluminium but have low to moderate wear resistance, although this can be improved with
thickness and sealing.
Anodizing
Process
Preceding the anodization process, wrought alloys are cleaned in either a hot soak cleaner or in a solvent bath and
may be etched in sodium hydroxide (normally with added sodium gluconate), ammonium bifluoride or brightened in
a mix of acids. Cast alloys are normally best just cleaned due to the presence of intermetallic substances unless they
are a high purity alloy such as LM0.
The anodized aluminium layer is grown by passing a direct current through an electrolytic solution, with the
aluminium object serving as the anode (the positive electrode). The current releases hydrogen at the cathode (the
negative electrode) and oxygen at the surface of the aluminium anode, creating a build-up of aluminium oxide.
Alternating current and pulsed current is also possible but rarely used. The voltage required by various solutions may
range from 1 to 300 V DC, although most fall in the range of 15 to 21 V. Higher voltages are typically required for
thicker coatings formed in sulfuric and organic acid. The anodizing current varies with the area of aluminium being
anodized, and typically ranges from 30 to 300 amperes/meter (2.8 to 28 ampere/ft).
Aluminium anodizing is usually performed in an acid solution which slowly dissolves the aluminium oxide. The acid
action is balanced with the oxidation rate to form a coating with nanopores, 10-150nm in diameter. These pores are
what allow the electrolyte solution and current to reach the aluminium substrate and continue growing the coating to
greater thickness beyond what is produced by autopassivation. However, these same pores will later permit air or
water to reach the substrate and initiate corrosion if not sealed. They are often filled with colored dyes and/or
corrosion inhibitors before sealing. Because the dye is only superficial, the underlying oxide may continue to provide
corrosion protection even if minor wear and scratches may break through the dyed layer.
Conditions such as electrolyte concentration, acidity, solution temperature, and current must be controlled to allow
the formation of a consistent oxide layer. Harder, thicker films tend to be produced by more dilute solutions at lower
temperatures with higher voltages and currents. The film thickness can range from under 0.5 micrometers for bright
decorative work up to 150 micrometers for architectural applications.
Anodizing
Anodizing
Other metals
Anodized titanium
Anodizing titanium generates an array of different colors without dyes, for which it is sometimes used in art,
costume jewelry, body piercing jewelry and wedding rings. The color formed is dependent on the thickness of the
oxide (which is determined by the anodizing voltage); it is caused by the interference of light reflecting off the oxide
surface with light traveling through it and reflecting off the underlying metal surface. Titanium nitride coatings can
also be formed, which have a brown or golden color and have the same wear and corrosion benefits as anodization.
Anodized magnesium
Magnesium is anodized primarily as a primer for paint. A thin (5m) film is sufficient for this. Thicker coatings of
25m and up can provide mild corrosion resistance when sealed with oil, wax, or sodium silicate. Standards for
magnesium anodizing are given in AMS 2466, AMS 2478, AMS 2479, and ASTM B893.
Anodized zinc
Zinc is rarely anodized, but a process was developed by the International Lead Zinc Research Organization and
covered by MIL-A-81801. A solution of ammonium phosphate, chromate and fluoride with voltages of up to 200V
can produce olive green coatings up to 80m thick. The coatings are hard and corrosion resistant.
Zinc or Galvanized steel can be anodized at lower voltages(20-30V)as well using direct currents from silicate baths
containing varying concentration of sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, borax, sodium nitrite and nickel sulphate.[5]
Anodized niobium
Niobium anodizes in a similar fashion to titanium with a range of attractive colors being formed by interference at
different film thicknesses. Again the film thickness is dependent on the anodizing voltage. Uses include jewelry and
commemorative coins.
Anodized tantalum
Tantalum anodizes in a similar fashion to titanium and niobium with a range of attractive colors being formed by
interference at different film thicknesses. Again the film thickness is dependent on the anodizing voltage and
typically ranges from 18-23 Angstroms per volt depending on electrolyte and temperature. Uses include Tantalum
capacitors.
Anodizing
Dyeing
The most common anodizing processes, for example sulfuric acid on
aluminium, produce a porous surface which can accept dyes easily. The
number of dye colors is almost endless; however, the colors produced
tend to vary according to the base alloy. Though some may prefer
lighter colors, in practice they may be difficult to produce on certain
alloys such as high-silicon casting grades and 2000-series
aluminium-copper alloys. Another concern is the "lightfastness" of
organic dyestuffssome colors (reds and blues) are particularly prone
to fading. Black dyes and gold produced by inorganic means (ferric
ammonium oxalate) are more lightfast. Dyed anodizing is usually sealed
to reduce or eliminate dye bleed out.
Alternatively, metal (usually tin) can be electrolytically deposited in the
pores of the anodic coating to provide colors that are more lightfast.
Metal dye colors range from pale champagne to black. Bronze shades
are commonly used for architectural use.
Alternatively the color may be produced integral to the film. This is
done during the anodizing process using organic acids mixed with the
sulfuric electrolyte and a pulsed current.
Printing
Photo quality images and graphics in vivid color may be printed into the unsealed porous oxide layer using color
dyes via silkscreen, sublimation transfer or digital printer. Line art quality graphics can be achieved by use of a
printer. Color graphics may also be directly applied by hand using an airbrush, sponge or paintbrush. Printed
anodizing is sealed to prevent or reduce dye bleed out. Uses include baseball bats, signs, furniture, surgical trays,
motorcycle components, and architectural moulding.
Sealing
Acidic anodizing solutions produce pores in the anodized coating. These pores can absorb dyes and retain lubricants,
but are also an avenue for corrosion. When lubrication properties are not critical, they are usually sealed after dyeing
to increase corrosion resistance and dye retention. Long immersion in boiling-hot deionized water or steam is the
simplest sealing process, although it is not completely effective and reduces abrasion resistance by 20%. The oxide is
converted into its hydrated form, and the resulting swelling reduces the porosity of the surface. Cold sealing, where
the pores are closed by impregnation of a sealant in a room-temperature bath, is more popular due to energy savings.
Coatings sealed in this method are not suitable for adhesive bonding. Teflon, nickel acetate, cobalt acetate, and hot
sodium or potassium dichromate seals are commonly used. MIL-A-8625 requires sealing for thin coatings (Types I
and II) and allows it as an option for thick ones (Type III).
Anodizing
Cleaning
Anodized aluminium surfaces are susceptible to Panel Edge Staining, a unique type of surface staining that can
affect the structural integrity of the metal.
Environmental impact
Anodizing is one of the more environmentally friendly metal finishing processes. With the exception of organic (aka
integral color) anodizing, the by-products contain only small amounts of heavy metals, halogens, or volatile organic
compounds. Integral color anodizing produces no VOCs, Heavy Metals, or Halogens as all of the byproducts found
in the effluent streams of other processes come from their dyes or plating materials. The most common anodizing
effluents, aluminium hydroxide and aluminium sulfate, are recycled for the manufacturing of alum, baking powder,
cosmetics, newsprint and fertilizer or used by industrial wastewater treatment systems.
Mechanical considerations
Anodizing will raise the surface, since the oxide created occupies more space than the base metal converted. This
will generally not be of consequence except where there are small tolerances. If so, the thickness of the anodizing
has to be taken into account when choosing the machining dimension. Also in the case of small holes threaded to
accept screws,[citation needed] anodizing may cause the screws to bind, thus the threaded holes may need to be chased
with a tap to restore the original dimensions. Alternatively, special oversize taps may be used to precompensate for
this growth. In the case of unthreaded holes that accept fixed diameter pins or rods, a slightly oversized hole to allow
for the dimension change may be appropriate.
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
ftp:/ / avalon. iks-jena. de/ mitarb/ lutz/ standards/ dstan/ 03/ 024/ 00000300. pdf
ftp:/ / avalon. iks-jena. de/ mitarb/ lutz/ standards/ dstan/ 03/ 025/ 00000300. pdf
US Military Specification MIL-A-8625, ASSIST database (http:/ / assist. daps. dla. mil/ quicksearch/ )
http:/ / www. ecmjournal. org/ journal/ supplements/ vol005supp01/ pdf/ vol005supp01a18. pdf
ANODIZING OF ZINC FOR IMPROVED SURFACE PROPERTIES M. A. Imam1, M. Moniruzzaman2 & M. A. Mamun3 1Centre for
Environmental Safety and Risk Engineering, Victoria University, Australia 2Department of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering,
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, 3Bangladesh 3Materials Science Division, Bangladesh Atomic
Energy Commission, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh, 18th International Corrosion Congress ,Perth, November 2011,ISSN 1326 1932 Anodizing of
Zinc (http:/ / malaya. academia. edu/ MuhammadAliImam/ Papers/ 714437/
ANODIZING_OF_ZINC_FOR_IMPROVED_SURFACE_PROPERTY)
Bibliography
Davis, Joseph R. (1993). Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys (4th ed.). ASM International.
ISBN978-0-87170-496-2. OCLC 246875365 (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/246875365).
Sheasby, P. G.; Pinner, R. (2001). The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys 2 (sixth ed.).
Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK: ASM International & Finishing Publications. ISBN0-904477-23-1.
External links
Hard anodizing A selection of suitable aluminum alloys (http://www.gwp-ag.com/media/www.gwp-ag.
com/org/med_645/1563_hard-anodizing-alloys.pdf)
The Aluminum Anodizers Council (http://www.anodizing.org)
Article on anodizing and dyeing from Coating and Fabrications Magazine (http://www.coatfab.com/
anodising.htm)
Encyclopedia Article (http://electrochem.cwru.edu/encycl/art-a02-anodizing.htm)
Anodizing
Website with useful anodizing information in Layman's Terms (http://bryanpryor.com/anodizing.php)
Titanium in Technicolor (http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/
3f178ca927d05010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html), an article on anodizing titanium from Theodore Gray's
How2.0 column in Popular Science
What is anodized aluminum? (http://whatisaluminum.com/what-is-anodized-aluminum/)
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