Abstract: A process for making an aluminum alloy lighting sheet product having a reflective surface protected by a UV-stable polymer coating. An aluminum alloy sheet is chemically brightened in an aqueous acidic solution, conversion coated, and then coated with a UV-stable polymer. Alternatively, an aluminum alloy sheet is chemically etched in an aqueous alkaline solution, conversion coated, and then coated with a UV-stable polymer. The UV-stable polymer may be clear or it may contain about 0.5-10 wt. % amorphous silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene particles. In another embodiment, an aluminum alloy sheet surface is cleaned, chemically conversion coated and then coated with a coating composition containing a UV-stable polymer and 0.5-10 wt. % silica particles and polytetrafluoroethylene particles, both having an average size of about 0.5-5 microns.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 10, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 16, 1999
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of American
Inventors:
Daniel L. Serafin, Paula A. Hinds, Paul B. Schultz, Albert L. Askin, Robert E. Bombalski