Abstract: Bare aluminum baffles are adapted for resist stripping chambers and include an outer aluminum oxide layer, which can be a native aluminum oxide layer or a layer formed by chemically treating a new or used bare aluminum baffle to form a thin outer aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a metal member, a metal material containing aluminum as a main component is anodized in an anodization solution having a pH of 4 to 10 and containing a nonaqueous solvent having a dielectric constant smaller than that of water and capable of dissolving water, thereby forming a nonporous amorphous aluminum oxide passivation film on a surface of the metal member. The method includes a step of controlling the viscosity of the anodization solution. In the step of controlling the viscosity, the viscosity of the anodization solution is lowered by elevating the temperature of the anodization solution above the room temperature or by adding to the anodization solution a substance having a dielectric constant smaller than that of water and a viscosity lower than that of the nonaqueous solvent.

Abstract: A metal oxide film suitable for protection of metals, composed mainly of aluminum. A metal oxide film includes a film of an oxide of a metal composed mainly of aluminum, having a thickness of 10 nm or greater, and exhibiting a moisture release rate from the film of 1E18 mol./cm2 or less. Further, there is provided a process for producing a metal oxide film, wherein a metal composed mainly of aluminum is subjected to anodic oxidation in a chemical solution of 4 to 10 pH value so as to obtain a metal oxide film.

Abstract: A method for anodizing aluminum, wherein an object (29) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is anodized in an electrolytic solution (25), and thereby an anodized aluminum film is formed on a surface of the object (29), is provided. The electrolytic solution (25) is comprised of at least one acid selected from organic acids having two or more carboxylic groups, moves at an average speed of 15 cm/sec or less along at least an outer surface of the object (29). The anodization is performed under conditions that a temperature of the outer surface of the object (29) is 80° C. or less, and current density is in a range from 10 to 170 A/dm2.

Abstract: A high-quality oxide film which is free from a pinhole and surface roughing caused by anodic oxidation and which has surface smoothness on a surface of a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component. An electrolyte solution which is used for forming an oxide film on a surface of a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component by anodic oxidation, the electrolyte solution containing a non-aqueous solvent containing an alcoholic hydroxyl group and having 4 or more carbon atoms as a main solvent. This non-aqueous solvent preferably contains two or more alcoholic hydroxyl groups and is especially preferably one or two or more members selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. A method of forming an oxide film including a step of anodically oxidizing a material to be treated containing a metal as a principal component in this electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Membranes including anodic aluminum oxide structures that are adapted for separation, purification, filtration, analysis, reaction and sensing. The membranes can include a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure having pore channels extending through the AAO structure. The membrane may also include an active layer, such as one including an active layer material and/or active layer pore channels. The active layer is intimately integrated within the AAO structure, thus enabling great robustness, reliability, resistance to mechanical stress and thermal cycling, and high selectivity. Methods for the fabrication of anodic aluminum oxide structures and membranes are also provided.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising an aluminum anode and a dielectric layer comprising phosphate doped aluminum oxide and process for making the capacitor. The capacitor has a CV Product of at least 9 ?F?V/cm2 at 250 volts. Furthermore, the capacitor is formed by the process of: forming an aluminum plate; contacting the plate with an anodizing solution comprising glycerine, 0.1 to 1.0%, by weight, water and 0.01 to 0.5%, by weight, orthophosphate; applying a voltage to the aluminum plate and determining an initial current; maintaining the first voltage until a first measured current is no more than 50% of the initial current; increasing the voltage and redetermining the initial current; maintaining the increased voltage until a second measured current is no more than 50% of the redetermined initial current, and continuing the increasing of the voltage and maintaining the increased voltage until a final voltage is achieved.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for anodizing a metal and a capacitor comprising the anodized metal. The electrolyte comprises more than about 5%, by weight, and less than about 30%, by weight, water; about 0.1 to 20%, by weight, ionogen and an aprotic polar solvent. The ionogen comprises phosphoric acid and an alkanol amine in an amount, and ratio, sufficient to maintain a pH of about 4 to about 9.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising an aluminum anode and a dielectric layer comprising phosphate doped aluminum oxide and process for making the capacitor. The capacitor has a CV Product of at least 9 ?F?V/cm2 at 250 volts. Furthermore, the capacitor is formed by the process of: forming an aluminum plate; contacting the plate with an anodizing solution comprising glycerine, 0.1 to 1.0%, by weight, water and 0.01 to 0.5%, by weight, orthophosphate; applying a voltage to the aluminum plate and determining an initial current; maintaining the first voltage until a first measured current is no more than 50% of the initial current; increasing the voltage and redetermining the initial current; maintaining the increased voltage until a second measured current is no more than 50% of the redetermined initial current, and continuing the increasing of the voltage and maintaining the increased voltage until a final voltage is achieved.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising an aluminum anode and a dielectric layer comprising phosphate doped aluminum oxide and process for making the capacitor. The capacitor has a CV Product of at least 9 ?F-V/cm2 at 250 volts. Furthermore, the capacitor is formed by the process of: forming an aluminum plate; contacting the plate with an anodizing solution comprising glycerine, 0.1 to 1.0%, by weight, water and 0.01 to 0.5%, by weight, orthophosphate; applying a voltage to the aluminum plate and determining an initial current; maintaining the first voltage until a first measured current is no more than 50% of the initial current; increasing the voltage and redetermining the initial current; maintaining the increased voltage until a second measured current is no more than 50% of the redetermined initial current, and continuing the increasing of the voltage and maintaining the increased voltage until a final voltage is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining gold-colored aluminum oxide layers in which the coloring of the oxidized surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloys is carried out by an electrolytic process in an electrolyte comprising an alkanesulfonic acid and an alkanesulfonate of silver, and to the use of the gold-colored workpieces based on aluminum or aluminum alloys produced by this process for decorative purposes. The invention furthermore relates to an electrolyte solution for coloring the oxidized surface of aluminum or aluminum alloys gold by an electrolytic process, and to the use of an electrolyte comprising an alkanesulfonate of silver for coloring aluminum oxide layers based on aluminum or aluminum alloys gold in an electrolytic process.

Abstract: The metal oxide surface coating of an anodized valve metal may be made conductive under certain conditions so that conductive coatings can be electrolytically deposited on the surface of the oxide. When a dry polar aprotic electrolyte solution is used at a reduced temperature and a relatively high field is applied, the oxide ceases to be insulative. The process is reversible, meaning that there is no permanent change in the oxide.

Abstract: Using pulsed current and relatively low average voltages, articles containing light metals such as magnesium may be rapidly anodized to form protective surface coatings. The anodizing solutions employed may contain phosphate, permanganate, silicate, zirconate, vanadate, titanate, hydroxide, alkali metal fluoride and/or complex fluoride, optionally with other components present.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanostructure including an anodized film including nanoholes. The anodized film is formed on a substrate having a surface including at least one material selected from the group consisting of semiconductors, noble metals, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and carbon. The nanoholes are cut completely through the anodized film from the surface of the anodized film to the surface of the substrate. The nanoholes have a first diameter at the surface of the anodized film and a second diameter at the surface of the substrate. The nanoholes are characterized in that either a constriction exists at a location between the surface of the anodized film and the surface of the substrate, or the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating on aluminum by contacting the aluminum with water, at least one multifunctional polymeric organic acid, a monomer of an intrinsically conductive polymer and polymerizing the ICP monomer and forming aluminum oxide by imposing an electrical potential between the aluminum surface as the anode and a cathode. The intrinsically conductive polymer salt and aluminum oxide coating that is formed resists corrosion and is resistant to de-doping during immersion in hot water.

Abstract: Aluminum surface mount capacitors containing one or more anode foil coupons are initially anodized in an aqueous phosphate solution in order to produce an anodic oxide film having extreme resistance to hydration and attack by corrosive anions for the purpose of producing surface mount capacitors at high yield and of high stability.

Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolytic solutions suitable for anodizing valve metal derivative anodes, methods of anodizing using non-aqueous electrolytic solutions, and capacitors prepared with non-aqueous electrolytic solutions. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprises glycerine and at least one soluble salt formed by the neutralization of at least one non-halogen-containing organic or inorganic acid anion with at least one alkali metal, ammonium, or protonated amine cation; wherein the acid anion is derived from an acid having a pKa lower than phosphoric acid.

Abstract: An anodizing solution, and method of anodizing, comprising suspending at least one aluminium substrate in an anodizing solution and applying an anodizing current to the anodizing solution. The anodizing solution comprises 0.01-5%, by weight, sodium silicate and 0.01-5%, by weight, &agr;-amino acid.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating on aluminum by contacting the aluminum with water, at least one multifunctional polymeric organic acid, a monomer of an intrinsically conductive polymer and polymerizing the ICP monomer and forming aluminum oxide by imposing an electrical potential between the aluminum surface as the anode and a cathode. The intrinsically conductive polymer salt and aluminum oxide coating that is formed resists corrosion and is resistant to de-doping during immersion in hot water.

Abstract: An electrolyte comprising a polyester condensation product of 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid; and further comprising dimethyl amino ethoxy ethanol in an amount to reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may further comprise ortho-phosphoric acid and at least one substituted pyrrolidone or lactone, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxy ethyl-2-pyrrolidone or 4-butyrolactone. The ortho-phosphoric acid prevents hydration of anodic aluminum oxide in contact with the solution. The pyrrolidone or lactone reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may also comprise sodium silicate.

Abstract: An electrolyte comprising a polyester condensation product of 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid; and further comprising dimethyl amino ethoxy ethanol in an amount to reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may further comprise ortho-phosphoric acid and at least one substituted pyrrolidone or lactone, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxy ethyl-2-pyrrolidone or 4-butyrolactone. The ortho-phosphoric acid prevents hydration of anodic aluminum oxide in contact with the solution. The pyrrolidone or lactone reduce the resistance of the electrolyte. The electrolyte may also comprise sodium silicate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous anodizing of aluminum foil for use in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Specifically, etched anode foil is anodized to relatively low voltage in a two-step reel-to-reel process. The process is particularly useful for anodizing highly-etched aluminum foil for use in surface mount aluminum capacitors containing conductive polymer cathode material. The process is economical and provides high foil quality. Specifically, the process for anodizing aluminum foil comprises anodizing the foil in a first electrolyte a solution, passing the foil through an oven, anodizing the foil in a second anodizing solution wherein the first electrolyte solution and second electrolyte solution each comprise about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % glycerine, about 0.01 wt % to about 0.2 wt % ammonium phosphate, and de-ionized water, and wherein the foil is anodized in the first electrolyte solution for at least 3.

Abstract: A metallic object, having a metallic substrate of a valve metal or a valve metal alloy inclusive of intermetallic phases, and a thin polyphase oxide coating, is disclosed. The polyphase oxide coating has a metal oxide phase and at least one other organic and/or inorganic phase. The polyphase oxide coating is produced by bringing the metallic substrate into contact with an organic and/or inorganic component to be integrated into the polyphase oxide coating such that the inorganic and/or organic phases are present at or in the direct vicinity of the substrate surface and by simultaneously or subsequently anodically polarizing the substrate material in an electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.

Abstract: A method of anodizing an aluminum substrate comprising heating the substrate to a first temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; suspending the substrate into a first electrolyte and applying a first anodizing current to the first electrolyte; rinsing the substrate; heating the substrate to a second temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; and suspending the substrate into a second electrolyte and applying a second anodizing current to the second electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte and second electrolyte each comprise an aqueous solution of at least one salt of alpha-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: A method of anodizing an aluminum substrate comprising heating the substrate to a first temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; suspending the substrate into a first electrolyte and applying a first anodizing current to the first electrolyte; rinsing the substrate; heating the substrate to a second temperature of 200° C. to about 380° C.; and suspending the substrate into a second electrolyte and applying a second anodizing current to the second electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte and second electrolyte each comprise an aqueous solution of at least one salt of alpha-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolytic solutions suitable for anodizing valve metal derivative anodes, methods of anodizing using non-aqueous electrolytic solutions, and capacitors prepared with non-aqueous electrolytic solutions. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprises glycerine and at least one soluble salt formed by the neutralization of at least one non-halogen-containing organic or inorganic acid anion with at least one alkali metal, ammonium, or protonated amine cation; wherein the acid anion is derived from an acid having a pKa lower than phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A method of anodizing comprising suspending at least one aluminum substrate into an electrolyte solution and applying an anodizing current to the electrolyte solution, wherein the electrolyte solution comprises from about 5 to about 99.5 wt % glycerine, about 0.05 to about 5.0 wt. % of at least one orthophosphate salt selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphates, alkali metal phosphates, amine phosphates, or mixtures thereof, and water.

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: An external component of an endoscope includes an aluminum alloy base member whose surface is subjected to anodic oxidation, and thereafter, is subjected to an electrolytic deposition thereon.

Abstract: A method of anodizing valve metals with a borate polyester solution formed by the combining 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol and boric acid and heating to about 130 to about 160° C. The heating drives off water produced by esterification. A substrate is immersed in the borate polyester electrolyte solution at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 85° C. and an anodizing voltage is applied.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating on aluminum by contacting the aluminum with water, at least one multifunctional polymeric organic acid, a monomer of an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) and polymerizing the ICP monomer and forming aluminum oxide by imposing an electrical potential between the aluminum surface as the anode and a cathode. The intrinsically conductive polymer salt and aluminum oxide coating that is formed resists corrosion and is resistant to de-doping during immersion in hot water.

Abstract: An anode foil treatment method produces a useful high quality oxide with inherently high capacitance at voltages as high as 750 Volts or more. The anode foil treatment method comprises a series of formation and relaxation steps. Oxide layer formation is performed in a forming mixture that includes a high molecular weight dicarboxylic acid that is made into a salt and a strong base. The concentration of the dicarboxylic acid is carefully monitored and kept within a narrow band. The complex by-product of the dicarboxylic salt created during formation process is kept below a fixed maximum level.

Abstract: A method of non-thickness-limited anodizing for valve metals and alloys which are resistant to the non-thickness-limited growth of anodic oxide, such as niobium and high niobium content alloys. Non-thickness-limited anodic oxide film growth is produced on such valve metals by employing a first glycerine-based electrolyte containing about 1 to about 3 wt % water for the initial production of anodic oxide. After the substrate is anodized using the first electrolyte, it is immersed in a second glycerine-based electrolyte having less than about 0.1 wt % water. The second electrolyte may be produced by allowing water to evaporate from the first electrolyte solution until the solution contains less than about 0.1 wt. % water.

Abstract: An electrolyte comprising water, an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and mixtures thereof, and a sufficient amount of alkali metal salt of a weak organic acid, so that the electrolyte has a resistivity below about 250 ohm-cm/80° C. A method for differential anodizing porous valve metal body comprising the steps of: anodizing the bodies in a first electrolyte where the cathode surface is placed within an inch of but not in contact with the anode bodies, rinsing the bodies in deionized water, and re-anodizing the bodies in a second electrolyte, where the first electrolyte comprises water, an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and mixtures thereof, and a sufficient amount of alkali metal salt of a weak organic acid so that the first electrolyte has a resistivity below about 250 ohm-cm/80° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an anodized aluminum susceptor capable of withstanding an elevated temperature of 590° C., or a temperature as high as 475° C. in the presence of an NF3 plasma, without peeling or cracking, which preferably comprises selecting a high purity or low magnesium aluminum alloy, roughening the surface of the alloy, and then anodizing the surface roughened alloy in an electrolyte comprising an organic acid to form the desired anodized aluminum oxide coating thereon. Further, the invention comprises a high purity or low magnesium aluminum alloy susceptor and an organic acid anodic coating thereon highly resistant to spalling or cracking at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method of anodizing a metal comprising immersing a metal substrate into an a glycerine-based electrolytic solution and applying a constant current to produce a uniform film. The electrolytic solution additionally comprises at least one acidic organic salt, inorganic salt, or mixtures thereof. Suitable salts include dibasic potassium phosphate, P-toluene sulfonate, potassium hydrogen sulfate and monobasic potassium tartrate. The electrolytic solution may be prepared by mixing glycerine and the salt or salts, and then heating the solution to about 150 to 180° C. for about 1 to 12 hours. The prepared solution preferably has a water content of less than 0.1 wt %. Anodizing may be performed in the electrolytic solution at temperatures above about 150° C. to achieve non-thickness-limited film growth. Temperature fluctuations within the solution are reduced by the use of impellers or ultrasonic agitation.

Abstract: An anodized pressed valve metal powder pellet is described. The anodized pellet is particularly useful as an anode in an electrolytic capacitor having an improved breakdown voltage. The anodized pellet is formed by periodically holding the pellet at a constant voltage and allowing the current to decay over a period of time, or by turning the formation power supply off altogether during the anodization process. Either way provides an opportunity for heated electrolyte to diffuse from the anodized pellet.

Abstract: A process for treating an impregnated electrolytic capacitor anode whereby the anode body is immersed in a liquid electrolytic solution and a voltage is applied to the anode body, whereby a current flows through and repairs flaw sites in the anode body. The liquid electrolytic solution includes an organic solvent comprising at least one of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Alternatively, the electrolytic solution includes an organic solvent and an alkali metal phosphate salt. Preferably, the electrolytic solution contains both an alkali metal phosphate salt and an organic solvent comprising at least one of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

Abstract: Electrolytes containing water, at least one organic solvent, and at least one alkali metal phosphate salt can be used for anodizing valve metals prepared from metal powder having a surface area of least 0.35 m.sup.2 /g or 35,000 CV/g. The alkali metal phosphate salt should be relatively insoluble in the organic portion of the electrolyte, but highly soluble in a water solution of the organic solvent. The anodizing electrolytes have relatively high conductivity and are capable of being used at high anodizing currents. The anodic film produced by these electrolytes on valve metals is of substantially uniform thickness, has improved electrical parameters, and requires a shorter stabilization time at voltage.

Abstract: A plurality of recesses having the same interval and array as those of pores of an alumina film, which are to be formed in anodizing, are formed on a smooth surface of an aluminum plate in advance, and then, the aluminum plate is anodized. With this process, the roundness of the pores of the porous anodized alumina film and the uniformity of pore size are improved, and the pores are regularly arrayed at a predetermined interval. The recesses are formed by pressing a substrate having a plurality of projections on its surface against the aluminum plate surface to be anodized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous pigment dispersion composition for electro-deposition color coating of an aluminum or aluminum alloy oxide film, the composition comprising an organic white pigment as an essential component thereof. The organic white pigment comprises large-diameter particles which are insoluble in a water-soluble organic liquid and/or water and exhibit a non-skinning property and a sufficient concealing power on an aluminum or aluminum alloy oxide film. More specifically, the organic white pigment particles preferably have an average particle diameters of at least 0.3 .mu.m and a reflective index of at least 1.4. The use of the aqueous pigment dispersion composition for electro-deposition coating ensures formation of a less lustrous, less transparent and highly weather-resistant coating film for coloration of an aluminum or aluminum alloy oxide film.

Abstract: A process for forming polymer films through electrochemical techniques utilizing electrolytes which include conductive polymer. The resulting polymer films are electrically conductive and corrosion and wear resistant. Poyamino-benzene (polyaniline), for example, undergoes an insulator-to-metal transition upon doping with protonic acids in an acid/base-type reaction. Composite polymer-aluminum oxide films may be formed by modifying the anodizing electrolyte, resulting in the codeposition of polyaniline during aluminum anodization. A nonprotonated, ring-sulfonated aluminum salt of polyaniline was determined to be the reaction product within the aluminum oxide phase of the codeposited films. A second process, which incorporates electrochemical sealing of the anodic layer with polyaniline, was also developed.The formation of these composite films is documented through experimental processing, and characterized through scientific analysis and engineering tests.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution comprising glycerine and dibasic potassium phosphate. The electrolytic solution has a water content of less than 1000 ppm and is prepared by mixing the glycerine and the dibasic potassium phosphate and then heating to about 150 to 180.degree. C. for about 1 to 12 hours. A method of anodizing a metal comprising forming a film on the metal with an electrolytic solution comprising glycerine and dibasic potassium phosphate. The metal is preferably a valve metal, such as tantalum, and the film is formed at a temperature of 150.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution comprising glycerine and dibasic potassium phosphate. The electrolytic solution has a water content of less than 1000 ppm and is prepared by mixing the glycerine and the dibasic potassium phosphate and then heating to about 150.degree. to 180.degree. C. for about 1 to 12 hours. A method of anodizing a metal comprising forming a film on the metal with an electrolytic solution comprising glycerine and dibasic potassium phosphate. The metal is preferably a valve metal, such as tantalum, and the film is formed at a temperature of 150.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: A process for polishing a metal surface, typically based on Al, Mg, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf or their alloys, comprises a first conventional polishing step by chemical or electrolytic means and a second electrolytic micro-polishing step by anodizing in a mineral, organic or mixed acid solution to form a oxide layer of the barrier type having a thickness between 100 and 500 nm.

Abstract: A colored anodic coating for use on surfaces of substrates, e.g. aluminum substrates in which it is desirable to maintain a high solar absorptance (a) and a high infrared emittance (e), particularly in low earth orbit space environments. This anodic coating is preferably a dark colored coating, and even more preferably a black coating. This coating allows a touch temperature within an acceptable design range to preclude burning of an astronaut in case of contact, but also allows a solar radiation absorption in an amount such that an a/e ratio of unity is achieved. The coating of the invention comprises a first layer in the form of an acid anodized colored anodic layer for achieving a high solar absorptance and a second or high emittance layer in the form of a clear acid anodized layer for achieving a high emittance. The entire coating is quite thin, e.g. 1-2 mils and is quite stable in a hostile space environment of the type encountered in a low earth orbit.

Abstract: Reflector for technical lighting purposes, having a reflecting surface of aluminum and a protective, transparent, pore-free barrier layer of aluminum oxide produced by anodizing having a dielectric constant .epsilon. of 6 to 10.5 at 20.degree. C., where the barrier layer is of thickness d that either satisfies the conditiona) for constructive interference:d.multidot.n=k.multidot..gamma./2.+-.20 nmorb) for achieving a color-toned reflector surface:?k.multidot..gamma./2+20 nm!<d.multidot.n<?(k+1).multidot..gamma./2-20 nm!orc) for using as starting material to produce reflectors with low index/high index multi-layer coatings that increase reflectivity.d.multidot.n=l.multidot..gamma./4.+-.20 nmwhere n is the refractive index of the barrier layer, .lambda. is the average wave length of the light striking the surface of the reflector, k is a natural number and l is a natural number that is uneven. The thickness of the barrier layer lies between 60 and 490 nm and does not vary by more than .+-.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an aluminum alloy containing silicon is anodized using an electrolyte including a compound containing an anion having complexing capability such as sodium hydrogenphosphate or tribasic sodium phosphate, a salt of an organic acid containing an oxyacid anion such as sodium citrate or sodium tartrate or an alcohol such as sorbitol, and a halide such as potassium fluoride or sodium fluoride. The use of such an electrolyte results in a reduced amount of silicon being incorporated in the anodic oxide film. When the resulting oxide film is subjected to an electrodeposition treatment such as electroplating or electrolytic coloring, wasteful consumption of electrodeposition current can be inhibited. An aluminum alloy decorative cover is produced by buffing the surface of an aluminum alloy containing silicon, forming the anodized film on the buffed surface, and subjecting the anodized film to sequential nickel and chromium plating.