Abstract: A process for the making of metallic product with biocidal properties is disclosed, and first comprises anodizing a product having at least one metallic surface (e.g. aluminum, steel) using a controlled current density to form pores on the surfaces with controlled spatial density and depth. The process also comprises contacting the anodized metallic surfaces with a first biocidal solution before sealing the pores. Preferably, the metallic surfaces can be contacted again with the first biocidal solution after the sealing step. A method for reactivating biocidal properties of the metallic products is also disclosed, and comprises contacting again the biocidal product with a second biocidal solution. Preferably, the second solution is less concentrated than the first solution for safety sake. The invention provides a simpler, quicker, cheaper and improved process for treating or reactivating the metallic surfaces in order to obtain a metallic product having superior and enduring biocidal properties.

Abstract: An aluminum member exhibits improved alkali resistance with respect to an anodic oxide coating. The highly alkali-resistant aluminum member includes a material that includes aluminum or an aluminum alloy, an anodic oxide coating that is formed on the surface of the material, and a coating layer that is formed on the anodic oxide coating, and includes a siloxane glass component in a ratio of 90 mass % or more, wherein the coating layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 ?m and a coating mass of 0.4 to 5.0 g/m2.

Abstract: This application relates to a part that includes a metal oxide layer having pore structures. In some embodiments, dye molecules having aromatic rings can be disposed within at least one of the pore structures. Additionally, the at least one pore structures can include dispersion molecules, where the dispersion molecules form non-covalent interactions with the dye molecules. By forming non-covalent interactions between the dye molecules and the dispersion molecules, the aromatic rings of the dye molecules are prevented from forming other non-covalent interactions with other dye molecules. Additionally, techniques for chemically stabilizing the color dye bath for dyeing anodized parts are also described.

Abstract: Processes for cleaning anodic film pore structures are described. The processes employ methods for gas generation within the pores to flush out contamination within the anodic film. The pore cleaning processes can eliminate cosmetic defects related to anodic pore contamination during the manufacturing process. For example, an anodic film that is adjacent to a polymer piece can experience contamination originating from a gap between the anodic film and polymer piece, which can inhibit colorant uptake of the anodic film in areas proximate the polymer piece. In some cases, an alternating current anodizing process or a separate operation of cathodic polarization is implemented to generate hydrogen gas that bubbles out of the pores, forcing the contaminates out of the anodic film.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material; placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanostructured device for the in-situ capture of fluid samples at selectable times. The device includes a porous anodic alumina substrate having a plurality of elongated pores and an erodible capping material covering the pores. The device is transported into and through a geological reservoir while suspended in an injected carrier fluid. The device can optionally include a polymeric coating to improve minimize flocculation and sedimentation and prevent adhesion to surfaces in the reservoir. Upon erosion of the capping material, the fluids can diffuse into and fill each exposed pore. After a period of time, the hot water of the medium causes swelling and closure of the pore, effectively locking the fluid sample inside the pore. The device may be retrieved and analyzed to determine the composition and properties of the captured fluids.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy for die-casting, a metal case for a portable electrical device, and a method of manufacturing the metal case are disclosed. The aluminum alloy for die-casting includes about 1.95% to about 4.10% by weight of manganese, about 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight of zinc, about 0.3% to about 0.8% by weight of zircon, about 0.03% to about 0.09% by weight of titanium, and a remainder of aluminum. Thus, the aluminum alloy may provide a mechanical property and a glossiness that are appropriate for a case of a portable electrical device.

Abstract: A method of producing a multicolor surface is described herein. The method includes the following steps: providing an aluminum-based substrate having an outer and inner surfaces; performing a mechanical process on the substrate; forming at least one fixing portion on the inner surface of the substrate; forming at least one conductive hole on the fixing portion; performing a first anodization on the substrate to form a first oxide layer that can be dyed with a first color on the outer surface of the substrate; removing at least some of the first oxide layer from the fixing portion and the outer surface of the substrate; performing a second anodization on the substrate to form a second oxide layer that can be dyed with a second color on the exposed outer surface of the substrate stripped of the first oxide layer; and removing the fixing portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a skid-proof leather-texture surface on a metallic substrate, including the following steps of: providing a metallic substrate; roughening the surface of the metallic substrate by performing sand-blasting; performing a first pretreatment to clean the surface of the metallic substrate; etching the surface of the metallic substrate through an etchant while using a etch-moderating agent to moderate the condition of etching performing a second pretreatment, such as pickling or chemical polishing, on the surface of the metallic substrate; performing an anodic treatment on the surface of the metallic substrate to form an oxidized film having micro-porous structure thereon; activating the surface of the metallic substrate after the anodic treatment; dyeing the surface of the metallic substrate; sealing the micro-porous structure formed on the surface of the metallic substrate; and ash-removing to clean the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming substantially white anodized aluminum oxide on an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is provided. A porous aluminum oxide layer is formed on the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate by anodization in an acid electrolyte. Following formation of the anodized porous layer of aluminum oxide, the aluminum/aluminum alloy substrate is sequentially immersed in at least two reaction material solutions. The two or more reaction materials react to deposit a substantially white pigment material in the pores of the anodized aluminum oxide.

Abstract: New methods of producing anodized aluminum alloy products having an improved surface appearance properties are disclosed. The methods may include preparing an aluminum alloy body for anodizing, thereby producing an anodized aluminum alloy body, contacting an intended viewing surface of the anodized aluminum alloy body with an acid, thereby producing a prepared intended viewing surface of the anodized aluminum alloy body, and sealing the prepared intended viewing surface of the anodized aluminum alloy body. The anodized aluminum alloy products may realize a preselected color tolerance, such as realizing a b* value that is within a specified tolerance of a preselected b* value.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a cooking vessel, comprising the following steps: producing a bowl having an aluminum outer surface and an inner surface; performing hard anodization of at least the outer surface of the bowl; and providing a sol-gel coating on the anodized outer surface. At least one coloring step is carried out following the hard anodization, the coloring step(s) being carried out before and/or during the sol-gel coating step. Also provided is a kitchen item or an electrical cooking appliance comprising a cooking vessel obtained by the above method.

Abstract: A method of producing a multicolor surface is described herein. The method includes the following steps: providing an aluminum-based substrate having an outer and inner surfaces; performing a mechanical process on the substrate; forming at least one fixing portion on the inner surface of the substrate; forming at least one conductive hole on the fixing portion; performing a first anodization on the substrate to form a first oxide layer that can be dyed with a first color on the outer surface of the substrate; removing at least some of the first oxide layer from the fixing portion and the outer surface of the substrate; performing a second anodization on the substrate to form a second oxide layer that can be dyed with a second color on the exposed outer surface of the substrate stripped of the first oxide layer; and removing the fixing portion.

Abstract: A copper-substitute aluminum material made from a copper and cobalt anodizing process. The process includes the steps of: anodizing the aluminum material by submersing it in a basic sulfuric acid to build an anodic layer producing anodized aluminum material; combining copper and cobalt salts together in one bath; lowering the pH of the bath to between about 1.0 and about 3.0; coloring the anodized aluminum material electrolytically by submersing the anodized aluminum material in the bath of copper and cobalt salts; and applying an electrical current to the bath plating the copper and cobalt salts into the anodized aluminum material.

Abstract: A method for anodizing and dyeing a metallic article including a decorated surface to be dyed, includes steps as follows: anodizing the metallic article to form an anodization layer on the decorated surface by an anodizing treatment, in which the anodization layer is porous with a number of holes; sealing the anodization layer of the metallic article anodized by a first sealing treatment in a first sealing solution, in which a contacting time of the anodization layer and the first sealing solution changes gradually along a predetermined direction, and thereby a depth of the holes of the anodization layer after sealing changes gradually along the predetermined direction; and coloring the metallic article sealed in a dyeing treatment.

Abstract: To provide an anodic oxidation method, a titanium oxide film manufacturing method and a catalyst carrying method which is suitable, for example, for anodic oxidation of aluminum, titanium and catalyst carrying on the surface of alumite (registered trademark), capable of generating an oxide film at a low cost and rapidly by eliminating the use of a strongly acid or strongly basic electrolytic solution and using a carbonated water as an electrolytic solution, capable of controlling the sealing treatment of oxide film through a simple method, capable of effecting the oxide film dyeing and catalyst carrying rationally and easily, and capable of effecting the catalyst carrying safely and surely without eroding a base material. An object (3) to be treated is electrolyzed in an electrolytic solution received in a treatment vessel (1) serving the object (3) as an anodic electrode. It is an anodic oxidation method in which an oxide film is generated on the surface of the object (3).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a colored aluminum product or a colored aluminum alloy product includes the following steps of (i) subjecting a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy to an anodic oxidation in a treatment solution containing phosphoric acid to form an anodic oxidation film having a plurality of pores on a surface of the substrate, (ii) treating the substrate with warm water having a temperature between 40 and 100° C., and (iii) immersing the substrate in a pigment composition for coloration includes pigment particles, a dispersing agent and water to fill the pigment particles into a plurality of the pores in the anodic oxidation film on the surface of the substrate, thereby performing coloration.

Abstract: A method for making a housing of an electronic device comprises the following steps: providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; anodizing the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate to form an anodic oxide layer; screen printing ink on a portion of the surface of the anodic oxide layer and then drying the ink to form an ink layer; dying the anodic oxide layer to form a colorant layer on the surface of the anodic oxide layer not covered by the ink layer; and sealing the anodic oxide layer.

Abstract: In a dyeing method of an aluminum-based member, a first color forming material is held in a hole of a first region of an anodized film, a second color forming material is held in holds of a second region that is smaller than the first region by diagonally spraying, When the second colored layer is formed, a gradation region is formed in a boundary with the first region and the second region, and the hole are closed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A process for substantially improving the heat transmission and reflection properties of anodized metals is presented along with a method of improving such properties while allowing for such processed anodized metals to be used for food contact.

Abstract: A case for a secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the case. The case has improved hardness and insulating properties and can be colored or patterned according to customers' preferences without having to perform an additional painting process, and a method of manufacturing the case. The case includes a body configured to accommodate an electrode assembly and formed of a conductive material; an oxide film formed on the body; and a colored sealing layer formed on the oxide film.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a substantially flat rigid measurement tool of the type formed of a substantially non-ferrous lightweight anodized metal plate with measurement markings thereon. The inventive method includes the steps of anodizing the metal plate to create a dark anodized layer, forming the flat rigid measurement tool from the anodized metal plate, and creating non-removable substantially white measurement markings by oxidizing selected mark-areas of the dark anodized surface to a depth below the anodized layer. The markings are created by application of a laser energy. The metal plate contains aluminum and the non-removable substantially white markings are formed by oxidized aluminum.

Abstract: In a dyeing method of an aluminum-based member, a first color forming material is held in a hole of a first region of an anodized film, a second color forming material is held in holds of a second region that is smaller than the first region by diagonally spraying, When the second colored layer is formed, a gradation region is formed in a boundary with the first region and the second region, and the hole are closed.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy products having multi-color effects and methods of producing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the aluminum alloy product may be produced from high purity aluminum alloys. In some embodiments, the high purity aluminum alloys may be bright-rolled and/or mechanically polished to produce intended viewing surfaces having high image clarity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a clear anodized coating on an aluminum base alloy containing more than three percent by weight magnesium. The alloy surface to be anodized is treated with an aqueous solution of a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid (10 to 20%), nitric acid (10 to 30%) or phosphoric acid (40 to 80%) under the influence of a relatively low voltage direct current. This treatment suitably reduces the magnesium content of the surface layer and, subsequently, a relatively low current density anodization in sulfuric acid produces the clear coating. The clear coating may then be colored by known processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative plate (1) includes the steps of: preparing a metal substrate and covering selected areas (11, 16) of the substrate with a protective film; anodizing the substrate; and removing the protective film to expose metallic surfaces in the selected areas of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a coating for protecting a surface from corrosion are provided. The method involves providing a system of layers on a light metal or light metal alloy substrate. The system of layers includes a nonconductive layer adjacent the substrate, followed by a conductive layer, an intermediate layer, and an decorative external layer.

Abstract: A process of surface treating an aluminum or aluminum alloy article includes the steps of: (1) forming an oxide layer on the aluminum or aluminum alloy article by anodizing; (2) sealing the oxide layer of the article; and (3) forming a protective film on the sealed oxide layer of the article. The process may further comprise a step of coloring the oxide layer of the aluminum or aluminum alloy article between the steps (1) and (2). The aluminum or aluminum alloy article is corrosion-resistant and resistant to damage by contact, by virtue of the protective film formed on the scaled oxide layer in the step (3). In addition, the protective film can also give the aluminum or aluminum alloy article a long-lasting attractive appearance by preventing a colored sealed oxide layer of the aluminum or aluminum alloy article from fading.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a metal cosmetic case having contrasting bright areas and duller textured areas, comprising the steps of: fabricating a cosmetic case from aluminum alloy; including polishing the cosmetic case and applying a surface texture to portions of the cosmetic case to form textured portions thereon; anodizing the cosmetic case to provide a bright shine to at least the outer surface of the cosmetic case; and printing over the textured portions with an ink to provide the textured portions with a contrasting finish to the bright shine of the outer surface of the cosmetic case.

Abstract: With the purpose of forming an anodic oxide coating that is given conductivity or other new functions on the surface of aluminum-based material with high productivity, anodizing of aluminum-based material (2) is performed in an anodizing bath containing sulfuric acid together with nitrate ion to form a porous anodic oxide coating on the surface of the aluminum-based material (2). In another processing step, if electroplating is performed after anodizing, silver or a silver compound or other metal (7) can be electroplated from an electroplating bath without dissolving and removing the barrier layer from the bottom (6) of the pores (3) of the porous anodic oxide coating (1).

Abstract: A process of producing an aluminum beverage can body having a decorative surface exhibiting a dichroic effect when observed in white light. In the process, a can body is formed from a sheet of metal selected from aluminum and aluminum alloy by drawing and ironing, surfaces of the can body are cleaned to produce a cleaned can body, a decorative structure exhibiting a dichroic effect is applied to a surface of the cleaned can body, and the can body is subjected to finishing operations. The decorative structure is applied by the steps of: applying a layer of dielectric material directly onto the metal of the cleaned can body without pre-treatment of the metal with a metal brightener, and forming a semi-transparent metal layer on or within the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An array of nanowires having a relatively constant diameter and techniques and apparatus for fabrication thereof are described. In one embodiment, a technique for melting a material under vacuum and followed by pressure injection of the molten material into the pores of a porous substrate produces continuous nanowires. In another embodiment, a technique to systematically change the channel diameter and channel packing density of an anodic alumina substrate includes the steps of anodizing an aluminum substrate with an electrolyte to provide an anodic aluminum oxide film having a pore with a wall surface composition which is different than aluminum oxide and etching the pore wall surface with an acid to affect at least one of the surface properties of the pore wall and the pore wall composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endoscope component comprises the steps of preparing a base body made of aluminum or aluminum alloy; subjecting the base body to anodizing to form porous oxide coating on the surface of the base body; subjecting the base body to primary sealing treatment after the anodizing to seal at least a part of each of pores of the porous oxide coating; and subjecting the base body to secondary sealing treatment after the primary sealing treatment to seal each of the pores of the porous oxide coating (almost completely). In this method, the primary sealing treatment is carried out according to a metallic salt sealing process or a boiling water sealing process. Further, the secondary sealing treatment is carried out according to a steam sealing process. According to the method described above, it is possible to provide an endoscope component having excellent chemical resistance.

Abstract: 1:2 chromium complex dyes of the formula in which R signifies C1-9-alkyl or a radical of the formula R1 signifies C1-4-alkyl, —COOM, —COOR5 or —CONH2, R2 signifies hydrogen or —SO3M, R3 signifies hydrogen, methyl or methoxy, R4 signifies hydrogen, methyl, methoxy or chloro, n signifies from 0 to 3, M signifies hydrogen or a non-chromophoric cation and Kat+ signifies hydrogen or a non-chromophoric cation are suitable for dyeing artificially produced oxide layers on aluminium or aluminium alloys and so give highly lightfast dyeings in orange shades.

Abstract: A bilayer oxide film which comprises a preferably porous layer containing aluminum oxide and a non-porous layer comprising an oxide of a valve metal, e.g. tantalum. The layers are integral. The film is produced by forming a coating of aluminium or an anodizable aluminum alloy on a valve metal (or alloy), anodizing the resulting structure in an electrolyte (preferably one capable of converting the aluminum (or alloy) to a porous oxide film) in the presence of an adhesion-reducing agent (e.g. fluoride ions) that makes the resulting anodized bilayer film easily detachable from the remaining valve metal. The bilayer film is then detached from the valve metal, e.g. by adhering a flexible plastic film to the bilayer and using the film to peel off the bilayer from the valve metal. The resulting bilayer can be used for a variety of purposes, e.g. as a vapor or oxygen barrier useful for packaging, or as a coating containing magnetic particles used to make a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A thin film diagnostic device capable of detecting the presence of a specific organic material in a sample solution. The device comprises a layer of an anodizable color-generating metal (e.g. tantalum), a porous anodic film containing aluminum oxide overlying the color generating metal, and a reagent capable of binding with the specific organic material forming a coating on the anodic film. The porous anodic film and the coating have a combined thickness such that a color change is produced when the specific organic material binds to the reagent. The device can be used to test the biological or synthetic products in samples taken from patients or other sources.

Abstract: An aluminum or aluminum alloy material is subjected to anodic oxidation, then to a treatment of electrophoresis in a bath containing a hexacyanoferrate (II) or hexacyanoferrate (III), and subsequently to a treatment of immersion in a bath containing at least one metal salt selected from the group consisting of salts of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Tl, and Mg and at least one electrolyte selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride. Consequently, a coloring compound formed by the reaction of the aforementioned hexacyanoferrate (II) or hexacyanoferrate (III) with the aforementioned metal salt is deposited in the receding parts of micropores of an anodic oxide coating, with the result that the aluminum or aluminum alloy material is endowed with a durable color.

Abstract: A method is described for producing colored surfaces on parts of aluminum or aluminum alloy which is characterized by the following process steps:1. The parts are pre-treated by degreasing or cleaning,2. The parts are electrolytically anodically/alkalinely brightened,3. The parts are electrolytically anodized with the use of direct current,4. The parts are electrolytically and/or organically colored, and5. The oxide layer on the parts is compacted.