Abstract: A method for preparing aluminum and aluminum alloys includes the step of simultaneously honing the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy in a zincating solution. The honing removes the aluminum oxide layer from the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy work piece while the zincating solution deposits a layer of zinc on its surface. The zincate-honing may be followed by electroplating.

Abstract: A layer of metal having a plurality of discrete particles of a finely divided solid non-metallic material uniformly dispersed throughout the metal layer is electrodeposited onto the surface of a substrate metal by first applying a tertiary amine oxide surfactant to the surface of the particles of finely divided non-metallic solid material, or by first introducing the said tertiary amine oxide surfactant into the electrolyte solution. The said particles and the said metal are then co-deposited onto the said substrate from an aqueous electrolyte solution containing metaliferous cations of the said metal in solution and the said particles in suspension therein. Specifically, the tertiary amine oxide surfactant employed is selected from the group having the chemical structure: ##STR1## Where R.sub.1 is an alkyl, alkene or alkyne radical having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms,R.sub.2 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, andR.sub.

Abstract: A layer of metal having a plurality of discrete particles of a finely divided solid non-metallic material uniformly dispersed throughout the metal layer is electrodeposited onto the surface of a substrate metal by first applying an amphoteric surfactant having a substituted imidozolinium structure to the surface of the particles of finely divided non-metallic solid material, or by first introducing the said amphoteric surfactant into the electrolyte solution. The said particles and the said metal are then co-deposited onto the substrate metal from an aqueous acidic electrolyte solution containing metalliferous cations of the said metal in solution and the said particles in suspension therein. Specifically, the amphoteric surfactant employed is selected from the group of substituted imidozolinium derivatives having the chemical structure: ##STR1## Where R is a fatty acid radical having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. R.sup.1 is H, Na or CH.sub.2 COOMR.sup.2 is COOM, CH.sub.2 COOM or CH(OH)CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 MR.sup.