US3314890A - Alkali etching solution for aluminum - Google Patents

Alkali etching solution for aluminum Download PDF

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US3314890A
US3314890A US447073A US44707365A US3314890A US 3314890 A US3314890 A US 3314890A US 447073 A US447073 A US 447073A US 44707365 A US44707365 A US 44707365A US 3314890 A US3314890 A US 3314890A
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concentration
aluminum
fluoride
finish
acid
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Smith Harold Vernon
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Pennwalt Corp
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Pennsalt Chemical Corp
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Priority to DE19661621632 priority patent/DE1621632B2/de
Priority to SE04723/66A priority patent/SE330304B/xx
Priority to CH514866A priority patent/CH454568A/fr
Priority to GB15946/66A priority patent/GB1117994A/en
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23FNON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F3/00Brightening metals by chemical means
    • C23F3/02Light metals
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23FNON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F1/00Etching metallic material by chemical means
    • C23F1/10Etching compositions
    • C23F1/14Aqueous compositions
    • C23F1/32Alkaline compositions
    • C23F1/36Alkaline compositions for etching aluminium or alloys thereof

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to aqueous alkali etching solutions for aluminum and aluminum alloys which produce a novel architectural finish on the aluminum.
  • This invention is also directed to solid granular compositions which when added to water form the aqueous solutions for producing the novel architectural finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys.
  • This invention is also directed to concentrates of solid granular materials which when added to conventional alkali etching solutions are capable of modifying them so that they will produce the novel architectural finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys.
  • the invention is also directed to methods of producing the new architectural finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys.
  • my new etching solutions are capable of preventing galvanizing of alkali etching solutions for aluminum and aluminum alloys.
  • Industrial aluminum finishers usually process their product in an alkaline etching system to remove surface imperfections and generally to enhance the appearance of the aluminum or aluminum alloy product.
  • the finishes so obtained are subject to a continuing demand by the processor for improved quality and increased esthetic appeal.
  • novel etching solutions which produce an architectural finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys which has never been heretofore obtained.
  • This architectural finish may be described as an etched finish, gray white to white in color, having a non-metallic appearance, having a low or matte reflectance, having a uniform fine grained appearance independent of any underlying aluminum grain boundaries and having what is known in the trade as an excellent hide, that is, all extrusion, die marks and scratches are completely hidden.
  • my compositions have the added advantage in that no sludge or scale is formed in their use and that they are of low cost. I have also discovered that my compositions eliminate the galvanizing efiect which so often causes loss or reprocessing of aluminum metal parts in finishing operations.
  • the novel solutions used in obtaining the new architural finish comprise caustic alkali in aqueous solution which also contains hexavalent chromium ion, fluoride ion and a special surface modifying agent.
  • the combination of hexavalent chromium, fluoride ion and special surface modifying agent acts as an etch modifier upon the attack of the caustic alkali on aluminum surfaces.
  • the novel combination modifies both the mode of attack of the caustic alkali on the aluminum surface and also changes the rate of this attack.
  • the new etchant solutions contain one or more alkali metal hydroxides at a concentration of 13 to 90 grams per liter.
  • Sodium hydroxide is the principal source of the alkali metal hydroxide because it is inexpensive as 3,314,800 Patented Apr. 18, 1967 compared to potassium or lithium hydroxide.
  • potassium hydroxide is equally efiicient in these compositions.
  • my etching solutions must contain hexavalent chromium and fluoride ion and at least one specific chelating agent as more fully described below. All three of these ingredients must be present in addition to the alkali metal hydroxide. Moreover, they must be present at certain particular weight relationships in order to produce the new architectural finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys.
  • the standard etching solution usually comprises a strong sodium hydroxide solution of about to grams per liter and a chelating agent to keep the dissolved aluminum from redepositing sodium aluminate on the metal surface.
  • These etching solutions normally produce a silver to silver gray metallic appearance. In addition to the silver color such surfaces Will have a high reflectivity and will be shiny. In addition the etched surface will be non-uniform in character and there will be no uniform grained appearance. The resulting overall surface will not hide the die or extrusion marks: and scratches are often visible.
  • the hexavalent chromium ion concentration in my etching solutions must lie within the range of 0.02% to 4.5% of the alkali metal hydroxide concentration.
  • the presence of the hexavalent chromium ion solution importantly modifies the attack of the alkali metal hydroxide on the aluminum surface. Consequently, the hexavalent chromium ion concentration is directly related to the alkali metal hydroxide concentration. This modifying of the attack of the alkali metal hydroxide on the aluminum is accomplished in conjunction with the simultaneous effect of the fluoride ion and the special chelating agents which I have found useful for this purpose.
  • the source materials for the hexavalent chromium ion are one or more of the water soluble ionizable chromium containing compounds. They may be selected from the group which includes sodium dichromate, potassium dichromate, ammonium dichromate, sodium chromate, potassium chromate, chromic anhydride, sodium chrom glucosate, potassium chrom glucosate, sodium chromate, potassium chromate, ferric chromite, chromium oxalate, chromium acetate, chromium sulfate, chromium nitrate and chromium phosphate.
  • hexavalent chromium ion is all normally solid materials and of course are useful in preparing the solid granular concentrates which are used in making my etching solutions.
  • hexavalent chromium ion concentration will vary from 0.15 to 0.7 gram per liter.
  • the preferred range of hexavalent chromium ion concentration is between 0.2 and 0.32 gram per liter.
  • the second etchant modifier which is necessary in my compositions is fluoride ion.
  • This ion contributes its own special characteristic to the non-metallic, non-reflecting surface obtained by my compositions. Since the fluoride ion is modifying the surface attack, its concentraion will also be related to the alkali metal hydroxide oncentration. I have found that the fluoride ion conentration must be within the range of 0.04% to 2% of 1c alkali metal hydroxide concentration. Generally the .uoride concentration will vary from 0.1 to 0.6 gram per Lter. Preferably the concentration of fluoride is between .2 and 0.3 gram per liter. Conveniently the fluoride obtained from sodium fluoride because of its low cost nd good water solubility.
  • the source materials for the fluoride ion are one or lore of the Water soluble ionizable fluorides which can e selected from the group which includes sodium fluoride, otassium fluoride, sodium acid fluoride, potassium acid luoride, sodium aluminum fluoride, sodium fi'uoborate, odium fluosilicate, sodium phosphorous fluoride, amlonium fluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, chromic fluor- 21c and magnesium fluoride.
  • the third component which acts as a surface modifier lith respect to the action of the alkali metal hydroxide tchant on aluminum and aluminum alloys is a special .roup of surface modifying agents of the chelating type which combine with the hexavalent chromium and fluoide to modify the attack of the caustic soda.
  • the hexavalent chromium and the fluoride on the amount of surface modifying agent of the chelatng type which must be present in my solution will depend )II the alkali metal hydroxide concentration and in addiion will vary with the amount of hexavalent chromium resent.
  • the chelating agent concentration nust be at least the sum of one hundred percent of the :hromium ion concentration and 2.0% of the alkali metal iydroxide concentration.
  • concentration )f the surface modifying agent of the chelating type will ie between 0.4 and 2 gram per liter and preferably will ie between 0.6 and 0.9 gram per liter.
  • the upper concentration limit of the surface modifica- IlQIl agent of the chelating type is an economic limit and s not a limit imposed by chemical considerations. amounts greater than two grams per liter appear to be lnnecessary and to be without effect on the type of surface obtained.
  • the surface modification agents of the :helating type which are useful in my compositions for nodifying the surface finish on the aluminum produced y the alkali metal hydroxide along with the hexavalent :hromium ion and fluoride ion include sorbitol, mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, tannic acid, ethylenediarnine- :etraacetic acid, sodium chrom, glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-glucono- .actone, l-rhamnose.
  • sorbitol sorbitol, mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, tannic acid, ethylenediarnine- :etraacetic acid, sodium chrom, glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-glucono
  • the aluminum or aluminum alloy is first cleaned with a conventional aluminum cleaner which may be of the alkaline or acid type, since it is necessary to remove oxides and soil which obstruct the etching action.
  • a conventional aluminum cleaner which may be of the alkaline or acid type, since it is necessary to remove oxides and soil which obstruct the etching action.
  • the aluminum is rinsed with water, preferably warm, and is then immersed in or sprayed with my etching solutions.
  • the etching solution must be held at a temperature within the range of 150 to 200 F. otherwise the desired finish is not obtained. However, at temperatures less than 150 F. my solutions are effective in preventing the unwanted effect known in the industry as galvanizing which is described more fully below.
  • the preferred temperature range for securing the preferred architectural finish brought about by my etching solutions is within the range of to F.
  • the metal work piece is allowed to remain in solution until the desired etch is obtained. Generally this will vary from one to 15 minutes depending on the concentration of the ingredients and the temperatures used
  • the work piece is then rinsed at least once with water, preferably warm, and then the work piece is desmutted to remove the metal particles which are insoluble in the etching solution. Since my etching solutions have a considerable concentration of chromium contained therein it is unnecessary to use a chromated desmutter, and, in fact, a non-chromated desmutter is preferred.
  • a preferred solution for producing the new architectural finish on aluminum of the non-reflecting, matteetched type would have an alkali metal hydroxide concentration of 20.7 grams per liter and a hexavalent chromium ion concentration of 0.24 gram per liter, a fluoride ion concentration of 0.2 gram per liter and a Group A surface modification agent at a concentration of 0.7 gram per liter.
  • the alkali metal hydroxide is supplied by sodium hydroxide, the hexavalent chromium ion by sodium or potassium dichromate, the fluoride by sodium fluoride and the Group A surface modification agent by sorbitol.
  • one aspect of my invention comprises the solid granular compositions which are capable of forming the aqueous solutions described above.
  • the principal etching ingredients of the solid compositions are the alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof.
  • the sources of the hexavalent chromium ion, the fluoride ion and of the Group A surface modifying agent of the chelating type described above for the aqueous solutions are the same sources for supplying these components in my solid granular compositions.
  • the alkali metal hydroxide concentration will lie within the range of 80 to 97.5% by weight.
  • the water soluble ioniza-ble hexavalent chromium content of these compositions will be within the range of 0.002 to 3.81% by weight.
  • the water soluble ionizable fluoride concentration will lie 'within the range of 0.04 to 1.7% by weight.
  • the special surface modification agent of the cheilating type will have a concentration in my solid granular compositions within the range of 2 to 10% by weight.
  • the alkali metal hydroxide concentration will be within the range of 80 to 97.5% by weight
  • the water soluble ionizable hexavalent chromium content of the solid compositions will be within the range of 0.002 to 4% by weight
  • the water soluble ionizable fluoride concentration will be within the range of 0.004 to 2.0% by weight
  • the Group A surface modification agent will be within the range of 2 to 10% by weight.
  • a preferred solid composition for producing the aqueous etching solutions of my invention comprises caustic soda91.7% by weight, potassium dichromate3.0% by weight, sorbitol-3.3% by weight and sodium fluoride 2.0% by weight.
  • This solid granular concentrate is used in aqueous solution at a concentration of 2 to 12 ounces per gallon, preferably at a concentration of 3 to 4 ounces per gallon.
  • the aluminum metal processor or finisher may desire a highly reflective etch instead of a non-reflective etch produced by the inventions described above.
  • a conventional etching solution which would contain alkali metal hydroxide and a chelating agent and to supply separately a solid granular concentrate comprising water soluble ionizable hexavalent chromium, water soluble ionizable fluoride and a Group A surface modification agent described above.
  • the special granular concentrate for adding to conventional etching solutions comprises water soluble ionizable hexavalent chromium at a concentration within the range of 6 to 12% by weight, water soluble ionizable fluoride within the range of 6 to 12% by weight and Group A surface modification agents of a chelating type as described above at a concentration of at least 6% by weight.
  • the Group A surface modification agent is present at a concentration of 6 to 16% by weight.
  • a preferred solid granular composition contains water soluble ionizable hexavalent chromium at concentration of 8.9% by weight, water soluble ionizable fluoride at a concentration of 7.6% by weight and a Group A surface modification agent at a concentration of 8.3% by Weight.
  • these constituents are combined with an inert material such as sodium sulfate or potassium sulfate which is merely in the nature of a filler.
  • the filler may be present Within the range of 40 to 60% by weight.
  • Non-caking agents and/or conventional detergents may be incorporated as may be desired.
  • a solid composition which will give the required weight ratios of the ingredients specified above comprises sodium dichromate-50% by weight, sodium fluoride33% by weight, and sorbitol-47% by weight.
  • Another solid composition which would give the necessary ratio of components comprises potassium dichrornate-25% by weight, ammonium fluoride-46.7%, mannitol 8.3% and sodium. sulfate50.0%.
  • the amount of Group A surface modification agent is not limited with respect to the maximum present and the maximum amount will be at the discretion of the user since the upper limit is dictated only by economic considerations and not by the type of finish which is obtained.
  • the temperature of the etching bath be maintained belo'w 150. Below this temperature the new matte-etched finish is not produced. Amounts of the solid granular concentrates higher than 0.1 ounce per gallon may be added to the conventional etching baths but greater amounts are unnecessary to prevent galvanizing.
  • the etching solution In order to prevent galvanizing the etching solution must have an alkali metal hydroxide concentration of 15 to grams per liter, a minimum concentration of hexavalent chromium ion of 0.06 gram per liter, a minimum concentration of fluoride ion of 0.06 gram per liter and a concentration of a Group A surface modifying agent of a least 0.36 gram per liter. While as little as onetenth of an ounce per gallon of solid concentrate will prevent galvanizing in a normal aluminum etching bath of the alkali metal hydroxide type, generally the solid granular concentrate is added at a concentration of about 0.2 to 0.5 ounce per gallon.
  • the alkaline etching solutions of my invention which are used to prevent galvanizing will contain alkali metal hydroxide at a concentration of 15 to 90 grams per liter, hexavalent chromium ion within the range of 0.06 to 0.9 gram per liter, fluoride ion at a concentration within the range of 0.06 to 0.4 gram per liter and a minimum concentration of at least one surface modifying agent of the chelating type from Group A of at least 0.36 gram per liter. It will be apparent that the solid granular concentrates described above for adding the alkali metal hydroxide solutions to produce the new architectural finish on aluminum are the same solid concentrates which are used to prevent galvanizing.
  • Example I An etching solution containing 20.7 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide, 0.675 gram per liter of sorbitol and 0.45 gram per liter of sodium fluoride was maintained at a temperature of F. Varying amounts of potassium dichromate were dissolved in the solution to observe the effect of the hexavalent chromium ion concentration on the etchant finish produced by the solution.
  • Sections of 6063 aluminum alloy were cleaned, rinsed and then immersed in the etchant solution for a seven minute period. After etching the sections were rinsed with water, were desmutted in an acid solution, rinsed with water and dried. The results are presented in Table I.
  • Example 11 Etching solutions containing 20 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide, 0.675 gram per liter of sorbitol and 0.675 gram per liter of potassium dichromate were maintained at a temperature of 165 F. Varying amounts of sodium fluoride were added to separate portions of these solutions and the etching effect observed an aluminum sheets. Prior to etching the sections of aluminum metal we cleaned, rinsed and then etched in the solutions for seven minute period. After etching the aluminum lieets were rinsed, desmutted in an acid desmutting soluon, rinsed again in water and dried. The results of the omparisons are described in Table II below.
  • Example Ill The range of 'chelating agent concentrations which are lseful in my etching solutions was determined by approaching the problem from the aspect of that amount of sorbitol which would act together with the hexavalent chromium ion and fluoride ion to produce the desired finish on the aluminum surface and in addition would provide enough chelating agent to prevent the redeposition of the aluminum on the etched work pieces in the form of sodium aluminate while avoiding a large excess of the agent.
  • Sections of aluminum alloy extrusions were cleaned, rinsed and etched in solutions containing 20.6 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide, 0.6 gram per liter of potassium dichromate and 0.45 gram per liter of sodium fluoride. After immersion of an aluminum panel in this solution for several minutes at 165 F., the panels were desmutted, rinsed and dried and then examined for the nature of the etched finish produced. The panels immersed in the etchant solution without any chelating agent produced a frosty white fine grained etched surface having considerable reflectance. In the next run 0.675 gram of sorbitol per liter were added to a separate portion of the solution described above and the process repeated at the same temperature. In this solution the ratio of sorbitol to sodium hydroxide was 0.326 and the sorbitol to chromium ion ratio was 2.82. The surface produced by this solution was the desired silver gray non-metallic matte-etched finish with excellent hide.
  • test solutions containing 18.0 grams of aluminum alloy powder dissolved in 600 mls. of water with 30.1 grams of sodium hydroxide and 0.656 gram NaF were prepared and maintained at a temperature of about 150 F. Varying amounts of chelating agents and potassium dichromate were added to separate portions of this solution and the 0 amount of precipitate which was produced after 18 hours was measured. Any considerable amount of precipitate would indicate that the chelating agent was ineffective.
  • Example IV In order to determine what agents were effective in combination with the hexavalent chromium ion and fluoride ion in producing my new architectural finish in alkaline etching solutions, the following runs were made:
  • the sections of aluminum selected from alloys 1100, 1052 and 3003 and 6063 were prepared by first cleaning them in an alkaline solution containing 6 ounces per gallon of a granular concentrate containing 70% borax, 17G tetrosodium pyrophosphate, 5% sodium dichromate, and 8% organic detergents for 6 minutes at F.
  • alloy sections were rinsed in cold water for 30 seconds and then de-oxidized in a 16 ounce per gallon solution of a granular solid containing 80% sodium acid sulfate, 13% potassium dichromate and 2.0% of sodium fluoride.
  • the removal of aluminum oxide was accomplished at room temperature in about 2 minutes.
  • the various aluminum alloy panels were rinsed in cold water and then etched with the etching solution containing the various surface modification agents set forth below. The etching took place for seven minutes at 165 F. Thereafter the panels were rinsed with cold water and desmutted by a 50% by volume solution of nitric acid at room temperature for 5 minutes and 9 then rinsed with cold water and dried.
  • the following table sets forth the concentration of the chelant and the etchant effect obtained on the aluminum alloys.
  • Ethylenediamine-tetra- 0. 67 3.25 Frosty, white, finely grained matte acetic acid. etch with hide slightly less than sorbitol.
  • Sorbose 0.45 2. 2 Frosty, white, matteetched finish with fine grain, very good hide.
  • Sorbic Acid 0.45 2.2 Frosty, white matte finish with very fine grain. Very good hide.
  • Mannitol 0. 45 2. 2 Slightly frosty, fine grained finish with moderate whiteness, slightly matte. Fair hide.
  • chelating agents were effectivein producing the desired silver matte-etched, non-reflecting finish on aluminum and aluminum alloys in combination with fluoride and hexavalent chromium ion
  • other chelating agents such as tartaric acid, citric acid, sodium gluconate, gluconic acid, sodium a-heptogluconate, and sodium b-heptogluconate were inefiective in producing the desired etched finish.
  • Organic detergents were generally ineffective in producing the desired finish although a 1% solution of sodium tetrahydronapthalene sulfonate gave a somewhat improved architectural finish whereas a 5 %solution of the same material was inefiective.
  • a 2% by weight solu tion of sodium oxalate gave borderline results whereas a sodium oxalate solution at a concentration of 5% by weight of the caustic soda gave a total elimination of the desired architectural finish.
  • a 1% solution of Sorbit P, a 65% alkylnaphthalene sulfonate material gave a somewhat desired architectural finish but not of the degree of modification that wa desired.
  • Example V High purity aluminum sheets were cleaned in an alkaline cleaner, rinsed with cold water, deoxidized, rinsed again in cold water and then placed in an etching solution prepared from three ounces per gallon of a solid conplaced in this etching solution at F. for above seven minutes. After removal they were rinsed in cold water, desmutted in a 50% by volume nitric acid solution, rinsed again with cold water, dried and the etch finish was observed. The surface was of a frosty white matte-etched finish with a fine imposed uniform grain. There were excellent hide characteristics.
  • Example VI The above run was repeated except. that the etching solution was made from a granular concentrate containing 46.7 grams of potassium hydroxide, 45.0 grams of sodium hydroxide, 2.0 grams of potassium dichromate, 2.3 grams of sorbitol, 2.0 grams of sodium fluoride and 1.0 gram of sorbose.
  • the etched finish produced by this solution prepared in the manner described in the preceding run was quite satisfactory.
  • Example VII F a good architectural finish of the matte-etched type was obtained.
  • Example VIII Sheets of aluminum alloy 6063 and 3003 were prepared for etching by cleaning them in a 6 ounce per gallon aqueous solution of a concentrate containing 70% borax, 20% tetrasodium pyrophosphate and 10% inorganic detergent at 165 F. for six minutes. After cleaning, rinsing and drying the aluminum sheets were then placed in etchant solutions prepared from varying sources of fluoride ion.
  • the etchant solution comprised 20.7 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide, 0.24 gram per liter of chromium ion, 0.7 gram per liter of sorbitol and fluoride compounds as follows to give approximately 0.2 gram fluoride per liter:
  • Example IX Aluminum alloy panels of the 6063 type were prepared for etching in the manner described in Example VIII. Separate panels were then placed in solutions prepared by dissolving 20.7 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide, 0.7 gram per liter of sorbitol and 0.45 gram per liter of sodium fluoride. To this solution separate portion of various chromium compounds from the following group were added individually to the solutions to provide chromium ion having a content of 0.24 gram per liter. After etching for seven minutes at 155 F. the aluminum panels were removed from the etching solution, rinsed in water, desmutted in a conventional desrnutting solution, rinsed with water and dried.
  • the chromium compounds used individually in the etching solutions were chromium acetate, chromium bromide, chromium nitrate, chromium oxalate, and chromium sulfate.
  • the aluminum panels from each etchant solution were of a frosty, white, matteetched finish having excellent hide characteristics.
  • Example X Four ounces per gallon of water of each of the following solid granular compositions were tested for their ability to produce the new architectural etched finish: Sodium hydroxide 97.51%, potassium dichromate 0.006%, sodium fluoride 0.009% and sorbitol 2.475%. The next solid composition contained sodium hydroxide 77.80%, potassium dichromate 9.80%, sodium fluoride 3.47% and sorbitol 8.93%.
  • Panels of aluminum alloy 6063 which had been cleaned in alkaline solution, de-oxidized, rinsed and dried were immersed in the etchant solutions at 165 F. for eight minutes.
  • the first solution produced panels with a moderately frosty, white-etched finish with uniformly imposed fine grain.
  • the finish had good hide characteristics.
  • the second composition also produced a fine architectural etched finish.
  • Example XI Three ounces of each of the following solid granular concentrates were added to different one gallon portions of water to form four different etching solutions. In each solution the sodium hydroxide concentration was 20.7 grams per liter and the sorbitol concentration was 0.7 gram per liter. Cleaned sections of 6063 aluminum extrusions were etched in these solutions at 195 F, during a seven minute etching period. The results appear in Table IV.
  • aqueous solution consisting essentially of alkali metal hydroxide, water soluble hexavalent chromium ion, water soluble fluoride ion, and at least one surface modi fying agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, sorbitol, tannic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chrom glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-glyconolactone, and l-rhamnose in which the alkali metal hydroxide concentration is within the range of 13 to 90 grams per liter, in which the water soluble hexavalent chromium ion concentration is within the range of 0.02% to 4.5% of the alkali metal hydroxide concentration, in which the water soluble fluoride ion concentration is within the range of 0.04% to 2% of the alkali metal hydroxide concentration,
  • aqueous solution for etching aluminum and aluminum alloys consisting essentially of alkali metal hydroxide, water soluble hexavalent chromium ion, water soluble fluoride ion, and at least one surface modifying agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, sorbitol, tannic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, sodium chrom glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-gluconolactone, l-rhamnose, in which the alkali metal hydroxide concentration is within the range of 20 to 28 grams per liter, in which the water soluble hexavalent chromium ion concentration is within the range of 0.2 to 0.32 gram per liter, in which the water soluble fluoride ion concentration is within the range of 0.20 to 0.30 gram per liter, and in which solution the concentration
  • the aqueous solution for etching aluminum and aluminum alloys consisting essentially of alkali metal hydroxide, water soluble hexavalent chromium ion, water soluble fluoride ion, and at least one surface modifying agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, sorbitol, tannic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chrom glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-gluconolactone, and l-rharnnose, in which solution the sodium hydroxide concentration is 20.7 grams per liter, the water soluble hexavalent chromium ion concentration is 0.24 gram per liter, in which the water soluble fluoride ion concentration is 0.2 gram per liter, and in which solution the concentration of the said surface modifying agent is 0.6 gram per liter.
  • the solid granular composition capable of forming the aqueous etching solution of claim 1 consisting essentially of alkali metal hydroxide, water soluble fluoride, water soluble hexavalent chromium, and at least one water soluble surface modifying agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, ascorbic acid, sorbose, sorbitol, tannic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chrom glucosate, diglycolic acid, picolinic acid, aspartic acid, dithiooxamide, d-glyconolact-one, and
  • composition the alkali metal hydroxide concentration is within the range of 80 to 97.5%
  • the Water soluble hexavalent chromium concentration is within the range of 0.002 to 4.0%
  • the Water soluble fluoride concentration is within the range of 0.004 to 2.0%
  • composition the concentration of the said Water soluble surface modifying agent is within the range of 2 to 5.
  • the solid granular composition capable of forming an aqueous etching solution as described in claim 1, consisting essentially of sodium hydroxide 91.7%, potassium dichromate 3.0%, sorbitol 2.3%, aqueous sorbitol (70%) 1.0%, and sodium fluoride 2%.

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US447073A 1965-04-09 1965-04-09 Alkali etching solution for aluminum Expired - Lifetime US3314890A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US447073A US3314890A (en) 1965-04-09 1965-04-09 Alkali etching solution for aluminum
DE19661621632 DE1621632B2 (de) 1965-04-09 1966-04-05 Alkalische chrom vi enthaltende waessrige loesung granulat zur herstellung der loesung und verfahren zur bildung von ueberzuegen auf aluminium und aluminiumlegierungen
SE04723/66A SE330304B (xx) 1965-04-09 1966-04-06
CH514866A CH454568A (fr) 1965-04-09 1966-04-07 Composition décapante hydrosoluble et alcaline
GB15946/66A GB1117994A (en) 1965-04-09 1966-04-12 Aqueous alkali aluminum etchants

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US447073A US3314890A (en) 1965-04-09 1965-04-09 Alkali etching solution for aluminum

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3653095A (en) * 1969-06-18 1972-04-04 Rohm & Haas Synergistic combination for inhibiting the attack of alkaline solutions on alkali sensitive substrates
US4477290A (en) * 1983-01-10 1984-10-16 Pennwalt Corporation Cleaning and etching process for aluminum containers
DE4117625A1 (de) * 1991-05-29 1992-12-03 Siemens Ag Reinigungsverfahren
DE4231879A1 (de) * 1992-09-23 1994-03-24 Alcon Aluminium Consult Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Beizen von Aluminiumoberflächen unter Gewinnung von Natriumaluminatlösung
US8540826B2 (en) 2009-10-02 2013-09-24 University Of Windsor Method of surface treatment of aluminum foil and its alloy and method of producing immobilized nanocatalyst of transition metal oxides and their alloys
CN114032556A (zh) * 2021-12-20 2022-02-11 厦门华弘昌科技有限公司 一种铝合金碱洗液及其制备方法
CN114318316A (zh) * 2021-10-28 2022-04-12 中国航发西安动力控制科技有限公司 一种铝合金无色化学氧化处理溶液及工艺

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2687346A (en) * 1953-04-24 1954-08-24 Kelite Products Inc Process and composition for brightening the skin of aircraft
US2817612A (en) * 1953-09-23 1957-12-24 Joseph C Brennan Process and quenching bath for hardening steel articles
US2828193A (en) * 1954-08-09 1958-03-25 Turco Products Inc Method for rejuvenation of aluminum treating solutions
US2882134A (en) * 1954-12-08 1959-04-14 Pennsalt Chemicals Corp Process for aluminum etching
US2931778A (en) * 1954-09-28 1960-04-05 Diamond Alkali Co Alkaline composition
US2939772A (en) * 1955-07-18 1960-06-07 Turco Products Inc Process for etching aluminum and aluminum alloy surfaces

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2687346A (en) * 1953-04-24 1954-08-24 Kelite Products Inc Process and composition for brightening the skin of aircraft
US2817612A (en) * 1953-09-23 1957-12-24 Joseph C Brennan Process and quenching bath for hardening steel articles
US2828193A (en) * 1954-08-09 1958-03-25 Turco Products Inc Method for rejuvenation of aluminum treating solutions
US2931778A (en) * 1954-09-28 1960-04-05 Diamond Alkali Co Alkaline composition
US2882134A (en) * 1954-12-08 1959-04-14 Pennsalt Chemicals Corp Process for aluminum etching
US2939772A (en) * 1955-07-18 1960-06-07 Turco Products Inc Process for etching aluminum and aluminum alloy surfaces

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3653095A (en) * 1969-06-18 1972-04-04 Rohm & Haas Synergistic combination for inhibiting the attack of alkaline solutions on alkali sensitive substrates
US4477290A (en) * 1983-01-10 1984-10-16 Pennwalt Corporation Cleaning and etching process for aluminum containers
DE4117625A1 (de) * 1991-05-29 1992-12-03 Siemens Ag Reinigungsverfahren
DE4231879A1 (de) * 1992-09-23 1994-03-24 Alcon Aluminium Consult Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Beizen von Aluminiumoberflächen unter Gewinnung von Natriumaluminatlösung
DE4231879C2 (de) * 1992-09-23 1998-07-02 Alcon Aluminium Consult Gmbh Verfahren zum Beizen von Aluminiumoberflächen unter Gewinnung von Natriumaluminatlösung
US8540826B2 (en) 2009-10-02 2013-09-24 University Of Windsor Method of surface treatment of aluminum foil and its alloy and method of producing immobilized nanocatalyst of transition metal oxides and their alloys
CN114318316A (zh) * 2021-10-28 2022-04-12 中国航发西安动力控制科技有限公司 一种铝合金无色化学氧化处理溶液及工艺
CN114318316B (zh) * 2021-10-28 2024-01-12 中国航发西安动力控制科技有限公司 一种铝合金无色化学氧化处理溶液及工艺
CN114032556A (zh) * 2021-12-20 2022-02-11 厦门华弘昌科技有限公司 一种铝合金碱洗液及其制备方法

Also Published As

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GB1117994A (en) 1968-06-26
DE1621632B2 (de) 1971-10-07
DE1621632A1 (de) 1970-03-26
CH454568A (fr) 1968-04-15
SE330304B (xx) 1970-11-09

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