Gradient Dye Distribution in Anodic Oxide Micropores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating color oxide layers on aluminum or aluminum alloy surfaces either limit the color to a single hue or result in surfaces that lose metal gloss, become uneven, and are prone to scratching and wear, especially when attempting to achieve gradient colors.
Innovation Solution
A composite material with an anodic oxide film layer containing micropores filled with multiple dyes, where the dye distribution is gradient-based along the substrate, either in the same or opposite directions, to achieve a gradually changed color, while maintaining metal gloss and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If spraying or printing process is used to form gradient color layer, then gradient color effect is achieved, but surface loses metal gloss and becomes uneven and easily scratched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of anodic oxide films to fill dyes within the micropores through capillary action. This approach allows the dye to be embedded within the oxide layer rather than applied on top, maintaining the surface's metal gloss and durability while achieving gradient color effects through controlled dye distribution in the pores.
2Ease of manufacture
If single color anodization is performed, then manufacturing process is simple, but only single color can be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs anodization first to create the porous oxide film structure, then subsequently fills the pores with one or more dyes. This preliminary formation of the oxide layer provides a versatile substrate that can accommodate single or multiple dyes, allowing color variety while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The anodic oxide film serves multiple functions: it provides the porous structure for dye absorption, maintains surface durability, and enables both single-color and multi-color gradient effects. This multi-functional approach allows the same base process to achieve various color outcomes without requiring entirely different manufacturing methods.
3Shape
If multiple dyes are filled in micropores with gradient distribution, then gradually changed color is achieved, but dye distribution control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control methods during the dyeing process, such as varying immersion time, using sequential dyeing steps with different dyes, or controlling the concentration gradients in the dye solution. These dynamic approaches enable gradient color distribution while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision through process control rather than requiring complex static positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a composite material with a smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing surface that retains metal gloss and is resistant to scratching and wear, with improved color gradient effects compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
anodic oxide film layer having micropores; and two or more kinds of dye is filled in the micropores
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention discloses a composite material comprising: a substrate with an anodic oxide film layer having micropores; and at least one kind of dye filled in the micropores, wherein amount of the same kind of dye is gradient distribution on at least part of the substrate. The composite material has an even, metal gloss, uneasily scratched and wore out surface with gradually changed color. Moreover, the present invention also provided a method of preparing the same.