Color Stabilization of Anodized Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

A process is disclosed for stabilizing certain colored anodized coating on aluminum articles against degradation by ultraviolet radiation. Anodized articles colored by an electrolytic or interference process can thereafter be stabilized by heat treating them at temperatures of the order of 350° F. for a period of an hour or so. The process is particularly useful for use on electrolytically colored, anodized vehicular external body panels made from suitably formable sheet metal aluminum alloys.

Description

[0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 650,204, filed on Aug. 28, 2003.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention pertains to the coloring of anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy articles. More particularly, this invention pertains to the stabilization of colored anodized aluminum articles against degradation of the coloring materials by ultraviolet radiation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are known practices for the anodization of surfaces of aluminum and aluminum alloy articles. Depending upon the intended use of the article it may be anodized for corrosion resistance, wear resistance and / or appearance. The surface of the article is cleaned and pretreated in preparation for anodization. There are many anodization practices, but in general the article is immersed as an anode in an aqueous electrolyte comprising an acid such as sulfuric acid. Anodization processes for producing colored or colorable anodized layers are often conducted with an electrolyte bath w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The color characteristics of a newly colored anodized workpiece can be quantitatively determined by a colorimeter or the like. It is found that exposure of such a workpiece to intense ultraviolet radiation results in a substantial loss of color intensity or change in color, particularly in the initial period of exposure to the UV radiation. It is believed that this initial color change may be attributed to aging of hydrated material associated with the oxide layer and / or the electrolytically deposited metal particles. The porous anodized layer of crystalline aluminum oxide columns are formed from an acidic electrolyte such as aqueous sulfuric acid. The electrolytic deposition of the coloring particles is also accomplished using an aqueous acid bath containing a salt of the coloring metal. Either process can form hydrates associated with the aluminum oxide or the particles. Alteration or drying of the oxide by radiation could affect the color of the layer. It is now found that a suitable heat treatment of the newly formed article to age or dry the hydrate can significantly reduce later unwanted color loss or change. Whatever the mechanism, it is found that heating the colored workpiece to, for example, 350° F. for 60 minutes avoids or reduces the abrupt initial change in color upon exposure to sunlight.

Problems solved by technology

It is found that exposure of such a workpiece to intense ultraviolet radiation results in a substantial loss of color intensity or change in color, particularly in the initial period of exposure to the UV radiation.

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