Abstract: Methods of preparing metal and metal alloys with partially microcrystalline anodic coatings are disclosed. Associated article therefrom are correspondingly disclosed. The partially microcrystalline anodic coatings exhibit fade and pattern removal resistance when subjected to sterilization processes. Partially microcrystalline anodic coating can be prepared by impregnation of micropores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, and one or more additional treatments to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate.

Abstract: Methods of preparing metal and metal alloys with partially microcrystalline anodic coatings are disclosed. Associated article therefrom are correspondingly disclosed. The partially microcrystalline anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. Partially microcrystalline anodic coating can be prepared by impregnation of micropores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing to create sealed partially microcrystalline anodic coating.

Abstract: Methods of preparing metal and metal alloys with partially microcrystalline anodic coatings are disclosed. Associated article therefrom are correspondingly disclosed. The partially microcrystalline anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. Partially microcrystalline anodic coating can be prepared by impregnation of micropores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing to create sealed partially microcrystalline anodic coating.

Abstract: Methods of preparing metal and metal alloys with partially microcrystalline anodic coatings are disclosed. Associated article therefrom are correspondingly disclosed. The partially microcrystalline anodic coatings exhibit steam, superheated steam, alkaline and acidic resistance. Partially microcrystalline anodic coating can be prepared by impregnation of micropores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, thermal treatment to dry out moisture and to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate, and hydrothermal sealing to create sealed partially microcrystalline anodic coating.

Abstract: A process for hard anodizing of aluminum and aluminum alloys by use of a low voltage having a DC component and a superimposed AC component. The electrolyte can have relatively low acid concentration and can be of higher temperature than usually employed for hard anodizing.

Abstract: An improved anodizing process produces on aluminum and on alloys of aluminum a hard oxide film of greater thickness and better abrasion resistance then can be obtained in the conventional Sanford anodizing process which uses an organic substance sold under the trademark "Sanfran" as an additive to the electrolyte. In the improved process, the DC voltage employed in the conventional process is modulated by a sinusoidal AC voltage of standard industrial frequency and the modulation factor is not permitted to exceed 100% to prevent reversal of the current through the oxide film. The DC voltage is AC modulated during the entire term of the process. In an initial period of 1 to 2 minutes, the DC voltage is raised to about 10 volts and then is raised at a rate of about one half volt per minute to a level within the range of 14 to 19 volts. Upon reaching that level, the DC voltage is held constant for a dwell period of at least five minutes.

Abstract: A method and system for anodizing and particularly for hard anodizing of aluminum and aluminum alloy articles in which a wide range of operating voltages can be employed without danger to personnel and without burning of the articles. For continuous (dynamic) processing, a plurality of electrolyte-containing tanks are employed with an associated cooling system for maintaining the electrolyte at a low operating temperature. Each tank, cathode, electrolyte and cooling apparatus are electrically insulated from ground, while each cathode, which can be the tank itself, is connected to a predetermined negative potential of a power source which source comprises one or more separate power supplies. A conductive conveyor system is provided to carry articles through the several tanks and is connected to ground to which is also connected a positive terminal or terminals of the power source.