Anodizing
831650
225740315
2008-07-15T04:34:56Z
McSly
2576398
[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 225738441 by [[Special:Contributions/94.98.62.63|94.98.62.63]] ([[User talk:94.98.62.63|talk]]) Rv spamlinks
[[Image:Cheap carabiners.JPG|right|thumb|These inexpensive decorative [[carabiner]]s have an anodized aluminium surface that has been dyed and are made in many colors.]]
'''Anodizing''', or '''anodising''', is an [[electrolyte|electrolytic]] [[passivation]] process used to increase the thickness of the natural [[oxide]] layer on the surface of metal parts. Anodizing increases [[corrosion]] resistance and wear resistance, and provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than 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. Anodizing is also used to prevent [[galling]] of threaded components and to make dielectric films for [[electrolytic capacitor]]s.
<!-- ===Metals=== -->
Anodic films are most commonly applied to protect [[aluminium alloy]]s, although processes also exist for [[titanium]], [[zinc]], [[magnesium]], and [[niobium]]. This process is not a useful treatment for iron or [[carbon steel]] because these metals [[exfoliate]] when oxidized; i.e. the [[iron oxide]] (also known as [[rust]]) flakes off, constantly exposing the underlying metal to corrosion. "Stay-Brite" is sometimes used as market name for products made from anodised aluminium such as brass replica.
Anodization changes the microscopic texture of the surface and can change the [[crystal structure]] of the metal near the surface. Coatings are often porous, even when thick, so a sealing process is often needed to achieve corrosion resistance. <!-- ==Process== -->The process is called "anodizing" because the part to be treated forms the [[anode]] electrode of an [[electrical circuit]]. <!-- ==Properties== --> 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, making them less likely to crack and peel.
==History==
Anodizing was first used on an industrial scale in 1923 to protect [[Duralumin]] [[seaplane]] parts from corrosion. This early chromic acid 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.<ref name="sheasby ch7" />
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 [[plastic]]s and [[powdercoating]].<ref name="sheasby ch8">{{Citation
| last1 =Sheasby
| first1 =P. G.
| last2 =Pinner
| first2 = R.
| year =2001
| chapter =Ch. 8 Anodizing in Architecture
| title =The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys
| edition =sixth
| volume = 2
| place =Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK
| publisher =ASM International & Finishing Publications
| page =597-742
| isbn =0-904477-23-1
}}</ref> The phosphoric acid processes are the most recent major development, so far only used as pretreatments for adhesives or organic paints.<ref name="sheasby ch7">{{Citation
| last1 =Sheasby
| first1 =P. G.
| last2 =Pinner
| first2 = R.
| year =2001
| chapter =Ch. 7 Decorative and Protective Anodizing
| title =The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys
| edition =sixth
| volume = 1
| place =Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK
| publisher =ASM International & Finishing Publications
| page =427-596
| isbn =0-904477-23-1
}}</ref> 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 alloy]]s are anodized to increase corrosion resistance, to increase surface hardness, and to allow [[dyeing]] (coloring), improved [[lubrication]], or improved [[adhesion]].
When exposed to air at room temperature, or any another gas containing oxygen, pure aluminium self-passivates by forming a surface layer of [[amorphous]] [[aluminium oxide]] 2 to 3 [[nanometer|nm]] thick<ref>{{Citation
| last1 =Sheasby
| first1 =P. G.
| last2 =Pinner
| first2 = R.
| year =2001
| title =The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys
| edition =sixth
| volume = 1
| place =Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK
| publisher =ASM International & Finishing Publications
| page =5
| isbn =0-904477-23-1
}}</ref> which provides very effective protection against corrosion. Aluminium alloys typically form a thicker oxide layer, 5-15 nm 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]],<ref>{{Citation
| last1 =Sheasby
| first1 =P. G.
| last2 =Pinner
| first2 = R.
| year =2001
| title =The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys
| edition =sixth
| volume = 1
| place =Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK
| publisher =ASM International & Finishing Publications
| page =9
| isbn =0-904477-23-1
}}</ref> so 2000, 4000, and 6000-series alloys tend to be most susceptible. Most aluminium aircraft parts, architectural materials, and consumer products are anodized. Anodized aluminium can be found on [[mp3 players]], [[flashlight]]s, [[cookware]], [[camera]]s, [[sporting goods]], [[window frame]]s, [[roof]]s, in [[electrolytic capacitor]]s, 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. For example, the cylinders of a modern [[BMW]] aluminium V8 engine have no loose liner: instead, the walls are hard anodized. This complicates a reboring operation (although not common, given the longevity of modern engines due to improved lubricants), as the hard coating must be restored if the block is rebored. (Earlier liner-free aluminium block designs use specific aluminium alloys, with softer components chemically etched away to expose the harder portions of the mixed crystal structure.)
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.<ref name="Edwards">{{cite book
| last = Edwards
| first = Joseph
| title = Coating and Surface Treatment Systems for Metals
| publisher = Finishing Publications Ltd. and ASM International
| date = 1997
| pages = pp. 34-38
| doi =
| isbn = 0-904477-16-9 }}</ref> The melting point of [[aluminium oxide]] is 2050 °C, much higher than pure aluminium's 658 °C.<ref name="Edwards"/> (This 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 of the oxide thickness. For example a coating that is (2 [[μm]]) thick, will increase the part dimensions by (1 μm) 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.
===Process===
Before being anodized, 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 0.3 to 3 amperes of current per square [[decimeter]] (20 to 200 [[milliampere|mA]]/[[square inch|in²]]).
Aluminium anodizing is usually performed in an [[acid]] solution which slowly [[dissolve]]s the aluminium oxide. The acid action is balanced with the oxidation rate to form a coating with microscopic pores, 10-150 nm in diameter.<ref name="Edwards"/> These pores are what allows the electrolyte solution and current to reach the aluminium [[substrate]] and continue growing the coating to greater thickness beyond what is produced by autopassivation.<ref name="sheasby ch6">{{Citation
| last1 =Sheasby
| first1 =P. G.
| last2 =Pinner
| first2 = R.
| year =2001
| chapter =Ch. 6 The Fundamentals of Anodizing
| title =The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and its Alloys
| edition =sixth
| volume = 1
| place =Materials Park, Ohio & Stevenage, UK
| publisher =ASM International & Finishing Publications
| page =327-425
| isbn =0-904477-23-1
}}</ref> 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 [[micrometre|micrometers]] for bright decorative work up to 150 micrometers for architectural applications.
The most widely used anodizing specification, [[MIL-A-8625]], defines three types of aluminium anodization. Type I is Chromic Acid Anodization, Type II is Sulfuric Acid Anodization and Type III is sulfuric acid hardcoat anodization. Other anodizing specifications include MIL-A-63576, AMS 2469, AMS 2470, AMS 2471, AMS 2472, AMS 2482, ASTM B580, ASTM D3933, ISO 10074 and BS 5599. AMS 2468 is obsolete. None of these specifications define a detailed process or chemistry, but rather a set of tests and quality assurance measures which the anodized product must meet. BS 1615 provides guidance in the selection of alloys for anodizing. For British defence work, a detailed chromic and sulfuric anodizing processes are described by DEF STAN 03-24/3 and DEF STAN 03-25/3 respectively.
===Chromic acid anodizing===
The oldest anodizing process uses [[chromic acid]]. It is widely known as Type I because it is so designated by the MIL-A-8625 standard, but it is also covered by AMS 2470 and MIL-A-8625 Type IB. Chromic acid produces thinner, 0.5 μm to 18 μm (0.00002" to 0.0007")<ref name="MIL">US Military Specification MIL-A-8625, [http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/ ASSIST database]</ref> more opaque films that are softer, ductile, and to a degree self-healing. They are harder to dye and may be applied as a pretreatment before painting. The method of film formation is different from using sulfuric acid in that the voltage is ramped up through the process cycle.
===Sulfuric acid anodizing===
[[Sulfuric acid]] is the most widely used solution to produce anodized coating. Coatings of moderate thickness 1.8 μm to 25 μm (0.00007" to 0.001")<ref name="MIL" /> are known as Type II, as named by MIL-A-8625, while coatings thicker than 25 μm (0.001") are known as Type III, hardcoat, or engineered anodizing. Very thin coatings similar to those produced by chromic anodizing are known as Type IIB. Thick coatings require more process control,<ref name="Edwards"/> and are produced in a refrigerated tank near the freezing point of water with higher voltages than the thinner coatings. Hard anodizing can be made between 25 and 150 μm (0.001" to 0.006") thick. Anodizing thickness increases wear resistance, corrosion resistance, ability to retain lubricants, and electrical and thermal insulation. Standards for thin sulfuric anodizing are given by MIL-A-8625 Types II and IIB, AMS 2471 (undyed), and AMS 2472 (dyed). Standards for thick sulfuric anodizing are given by MIL-A-8625 Type III, AMS 2469, BS 5599, BS EN 2536 and the obsolete AMS 2468 and DEF STAN 03-26/1.
===Organic acid anodizing===
Anodizing can produce yellowish integral colors without dyes if it is carried out in weak acids with high voltages, high current densities, and strong refrigeration.<ref name="Edwards"/> Shades of color are restricted to a range which includes pale yellow, gold, deep bronze, brown, grey, and black. Some advanced variations can produce a white coating with 80% reflectivity. The shade of color produced is sensitive to variations in the metallurgy of the underlying alloy and cannot be reproduced consistently.<ref name="sheasby ch8" />
Integral color anodizing is generally done with organic acids, but the same effect has been produced in laboratory with very dilute sulfuric acid. Integral color anodizing was originally performed with [[oxalic acid]], but [[sulfonated]] [[aromatic compounds]] containing oxygen, particularly [[sulfosalicylic acid]], have been more common since the 1960s.<ref name="sheasby ch8" /> Thicknesses up to 50μm can be achieved. Organic acid anodizing is called Type IC by MIL-A-8625.
===Phosphoric acid anodizing===
Anodizing can be carried out in phosphoric acid, usually as a surface preparation for adhesives. This is described in standard ASTM D3933
===Borate and tartrate baths===
Anodizing can also be performed in [[Borate]] or [[Tartrate]] Baths in which aluminium oxide is insoluble. In these processes, the coating growth stops when the part is fully covered, and the thickness is linearly related to the voltage applied.<ref name="Edwards"/> These coatings are free of pores, relative to the sulfuric and chromic acid processes.<ref name="Edwards"/> This type of coating is widely used to make [[electrolytic capacitor]]s, because the thin aluminium films (typically less than 0.5 μm) would risk being pierced by acidic processes.<ref name="sheasby ch7"/>
===Plasma electrolytic oxidation===
[[Plasma electrolytic oxidation]] is a similar process, but where higher [[voltages]] are applied. This causes sparks to occur, and results in more crystalline type coatings.
== Other metals ==
===Anodized titanium===
[[Image:Ti-color-strip.jpg|left|200px|thumb|selected colors achievable through anodization of [[titanium]] http://ringsforever.com/color.html]]
Anodized [[titanium]] is used in a recent generation of [[dental implants]]. An anodized oxide layer has a thickness in the range of 500 to 1000 angstroms, much thicker than that for a naturally formed oxide layer, which has a range of 50 to 250 angstroms.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
Titanium anodic films cannot be made thicker than about 300nm, and are therefore susceptible to mechanical damage.<ref name="Edwards2">{{cite book
| last = Edwards
| first = Joseph
| title = Coating and Surface Treatment Systems for Metals
| publisher = Finishing Publications Ltd. and ASM International
| date = 1997
| pages = pp. 39-40
| doi =
| isbn = 0-904477-16-9 }}</ref> Standards for titanium anodizing are given by AMS 2487 and AMS 2488.
Anodizing [[titanium]] generates an array of different colors without dyes, for which it is sometimes used in art, [[costume jewelry]], body piercing jewellery and [[wedding rings]].[http://www.titaniumart.com/home.html][http://ringsforever.com/] The color formed is dependent on the thickness of the oxide (which is determined by the anodising 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 (5μm) film is sufficient for this.<ref name="Edwards2"/> Thicker coatings of 25μm and up can provide mild corrosion resistance when sealed with oil, wax, or [[sodium silicate]].<ref name="Edwards2"/> 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.<ref name="Edwards2"/> A solution of [[ammonium phosphate]], [[chromate]] and [[fluoride]] with voltages of up to 200V can produce olive green coatings up to 80μm thick.<ref name="Edwards2"/> The coatings are hard and corrosion resistant.
===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 anodising voltage. Uses include [[jewelry]] and [[commemorative coin]]s.
===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 capacitor]]s
==Dyeing==
[[Image:IPod mini.png|thumb|175px|Colored [[iPod Mini]] cases are dyed following anodization, before thermal sealing]]
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 [[Aluminium alloy#Wrought alloys|2000-series copper alloys]]. Another concern is the "lightfastness" of organic dyestuffs—some colors (reds and blues) are particularly prone to fading. Black dyes and gold produced by [[inorganic]] means ([[ferric ammonium oxalate]]) are more [[lightfastness|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 (color)|champagne]] to [[black]]. [[Bronze]] shades are preferred for [[architecture|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]].
==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%.<ref name="Edwards"/> 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)
==Environmental impact==
{{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}}
Anodizing is one of the more environmentally-friendly metal finishing processes. With the exception of organic (aka integral color) anodizing, anodizing by-products are much less toxic than the [[heavy metals]], [[halogen]]s and [[Volatile organic compound|volatiles]] released by other processes. The most common anodizing effluents, [[aluminium hydroxide]] and [[aluminium sulfate]], are accepted by some municipal [[industrial wastewater treatment]] systems. Aluminium sulfate even has a beneficial effect on wastewater treatment by enhancing solid settling.
==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 in the case of small holes [[screw thread|threaded]] to accept [[screw]]s. Anodizing may cause the screws to bind, thus the threaded holes may need to be chased with a [[taps and dies|tap]] to restore the original dimensions. Alternately, 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.
==External links==
* [http://www.anodizing.org The Aluminum Anodizers Council]
* [http://www.coatfab.com/anodising.htm Article on anodizing and dyeing from ''Coating and Fabrications Magazine'']
* [http://bryanpryor.com/anodizing.php Website with useful anodizing information in Layman's Terms]
*
* [http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/3f178ca927d05010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html Titanium in Technicolor], an article on anodizing
titanium from Theodore Gray's How2.0 column in Popular Science
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Metallurgy]]
[[Category:Corrosion prevention]]
[[Category:Coatings]]
[[cs:Eloxování]]
[[de:Eloxal-Verfahren]]
[[es:Anodización]]
[[fr:Anodisation]]
[[he:אלגון]]
[[hu:Eloxálás]]
[[nl:Anodiseren]]
[[pl:Anodowanie]]
[[ru:Анодирование]]
[[sk:Anodická oxidácia hliníka]]
[[fi:Anodisointi]]
[[sv:Eloxering]]