WO2025129402A1 - Metal surface treatment method - Google Patents

Metal surface treatment method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025129402A1
WO2025129402A1 PCT/CN2023/139572 CN2023139572W WO2025129402A1 WO 2025129402 A1 WO2025129402 A1 WO 2025129402A1 CN 2023139572 W CN2023139572 W CN 2023139572W WO 2025129402 A1 WO2025129402 A1 WO 2025129402A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
free solution
metallic material
nickel free
sealing
nickel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/CN2023/139572
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Xia Wang
Li Yang
Lizhang Yang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to PCT/CN2023/139572 priority Critical patent/WO2025129402A1/en
Priority to CN202380104683.2A priority patent/CN122438985A/en
Publication of WO2025129402A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025129402A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C25D11/04—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon
    • C25D11/18—After-treatment, e.g. pore-sealing
    • C25D11/24—Chemical after-treatment
    • C25D11/246—Chemical after-treatment for sealing layers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C25D11/26—Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
    • C25D11/02—Anodisation
    • C25D11/34—Anodisation of metals or alloys not provided for in groups C25D11/04 - C25D11/32
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/70—Manufacture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for treating the surface of a metallic material.
  • the present invention relates to a method for treating the surface of a metallic material including a sealing step and a coating step.
  • a metallic material may be surface treated to improve properties including the surface hardness, corrosion resistance, or aesthetics of the material.
  • a common surface treatment is anodization.
  • Anodization may improve the abrasion and wear resistance of a metallic component. This may be due to the thick metal oxide layer which protects the metal from damage. Anodization may improve the corrosion resistance of a metallic component. In addition, it is known to use anodization to add colour to the surface of a metallic component. Anodization is particularly suitable for treating components formed from aluminium. Due to this ability to customise the colour, and to improve the durability of a product, anodization is often used to treat metallic components used in consumer products such as mobile phone cases.
  • the process of anodization involves producing a thick metal oxide layer on the metal surface.
  • the metal oxide layer may be formed by incorporating the metallic component to be treated as the anode in an electrolytic cell.
  • the anodizing process may use an acid as electrolyte.
  • the anodizing process may use at least one of chromic acid or sulphuric acid as an electrolyte.
  • the anodizing process may create a porous metal oxide structure on the surface of the metallic component.
  • the pores may be elongate pores extending perpendicular from the surface of the metallic component. These pores may then be used to adsorb dye to colour the surface of the metallic component. However, these pores may also lead to corrosion.
  • the anodized metallic component is sealed by immersion in a solution of nickel acetate. The nickel acetate impregnates the pores and seals the metal oxide structure.
  • the method may comprise a sealing step.
  • the sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer.
  • the method may comprise a coating step.
  • the coating step may comprise applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
  • a method for treating the surface of a metallic material comprises a sealing step.
  • the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer.
  • the method comprises a coating step.
  • the coating step comprises applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
  • the multi-step process of the present invention provides several benefits compared to the single step sealing process of the prior art.
  • the inventors have identified that the multi-step process of the present invention may advantageously provide a more resilient and durable surface treatment compared to the single step sealing process of the prior art.
  • the multi-step process of the present invention may eliminate the need to use nickel acetate in a sealing process. This may advantageously reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions developing in users of the treated product.
  • the reduced use of nickel may adventurously improve the sustainability of the sealing process.
  • the surface treating method of the present invention comprises at least a sealing step and a coating step.
  • the surface treating method of the present invention may comprise one or more additional step.
  • the surface treating method of the present invention may comprise an additional one, two, three, four, or more additional steps.
  • the coating step may take place after the sealing step.
  • the coating step may take place immediately after the sealing step.
  • nickel free solution refers to a solution which does not comprise nickel metal or a compound comprising nickel.
  • the sealing step may comprise a hydration reaction in which the first nickel free solution is reacted with water to form a hydroxide.
  • the hydroxide may form a sealing layer which closes the pores of the metal oxide structure. This may advantageously prevent corrosion of the metal within the pores of the metal oxide structure.
  • hydration reaction refers to a chemical reaction in which water is reacted with an unsaturated substrate.
  • a hydration reaction involves reacting an alkene or an alkyne with water to yield an alcohol.
  • At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a compound containing a metallic element. At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a light metal. At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof. At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise a light metal.
  • the second nickel free solution may comprise a light metal.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof.
  • the second nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
  • the second nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
  • At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound.
  • si-organic compound refers to a hybrid material comprising both an organic compound and an inorganic compound.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound.
  • the second nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise a polymeric material.
  • the first nickel free solution may comprise a hybrid and polymeric material.
  • the second nickel free solution may comprise a paint.
  • the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution.
  • the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for any length of time.
  • the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, or at least 5 minutes.
  • the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for no more than 20 minutes, no more than 15 minutes, or no more than 10 minutes.
  • the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for between about 1 minute and about 20 minutes, between about 2 minutes and about 15 minutes, or between about 5 minutes and about 10 minutes.
  • the sealing step may comprise applying the first nickel free solution to the metallic material in any other way.
  • the sealing step may comprise spraying the metallic material with the first nickel free solution.
  • the sealing step may take place at any temperature.
  • the sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of at least 5 degrees Celsius, at least 10 degrees Celsius, or at least 20 degrees Celsius.
  • the sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius, no more than 85 degrees Celsius, or no more than 70 degrees Celsius.
  • the sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of between about 5 degrees Celsius and about 100 degrees Celsius, between about 10 degrees Celsius and about 85 degrees Celsius, or between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 70 degrees Celsius.
  • the coating step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the second nickel free solution.
  • the coating step may comprise an electrophoresis step.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for any length of time.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, or at least 15 minutes.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for no more than 50 minutes, no more than 30 minutes, or no more than 25 minutes.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for between about 5 minutes and about 50 minutes, between about 10 minutes and about 30 minutes, or between about 15 minutes and about 25 minutes.
  • the coating step may take place at any temperature.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius, at least 75 degrees Celsius, or at least 80 degrees Celsius.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of no more than 110 degrees Celsius, no more than 100 degrees Celsius, or no more than 95 degrees Celsius.
  • the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of between about 70 degrees Celsius and about 110 degrees Celsius, between about 75 degrees Celsius and about 100 degrees Celsius, or between about 80 degrees Celsius and about 95 degrees Celsius.
  • the method may further comprise at least one additional step.
  • the at least one additional step may be performed before or after the sealing step and the coating step.
  • the method may further comprise a pre-sealing cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material before the sealing step.
  • the pre-cleaning step may take place after an anodizing step.
  • the pre-cleaning step may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the anodizing step.
  • the provision of a pre-cleaning step before the sealing step may advantageously make the sealing step more effective.
  • the pre-cleaning step may advantageously remove debris from the porous metal oxide structure to prevent the debris from being sealed in the porous metal oxide structure.
  • the method may further comprise a post-coating cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material after the coating step.
  • the post-cleaning step may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the coating step.
  • the pre-sealing cleaning step may comprise electrocleaning.
  • the post-coating cleaning step may comprise electrocleaning.
  • electrocleaning refers to a method for removing soil, scale, or corrosion products from a metallic component by using the metallic component as an electrode in an electrolytic cell.
  • At least one of the pre-sealing cleaning step and the post-coating cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water.
  • the pre-sealing cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water.
  • the post-coating cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water.
  • the pure water may be distilled water.
  • the pure water may be deionised water.
  • Cleaning the metallic material using pure water may advantageously remove debris and contamination. Cleaning in pure water may take place after the electrocleaning. This may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the electrocleaning.
  • the method may further comprise a dyeing step in which a coloured pigment is applied to the metallic material, the dyeing step occurring before the a sealing step.
  • the provision of a dyeing step before the sealing step may advantageously allow the dye to penetrate into the porous metal oxide structure before the metal oxide is sealed by the sealing step.
  • the method may further comprise an anodizing step in which a metal oxide layer is formed on the surface of the metallic material, the anodizing step occurring before the sealing step.
  • the anodizing step may occur before the dyeing step where a dyeing step is present.
  • an anodizing step may advantageously improve the corrosion resistance and durability of the metallic material.
  • the metallic material may be any metallic material. Suitable metallic materials include, but are not limited to titanium, aluminium, zinc, or alloys thereof.
  • the metallic material comprises aluminium metal or an aluminium alloy.
  • the metallic material may comprise any suitable metallic component.
  • the metallic material may be a metallic component of an aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol- generating device may be an electronic cigarette.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be intended to be used in conjunction with an aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate
  • the aerosol-generating article may be intended to be heated by the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-generating device may include a heater to heat the aerosol-generating article.
  • the heater may be an electrical resistance heater.
  • the heater may be an induction heater.
  • the metallic material may be any metallic component of an aerosol-generating device.
  • the metallic material may comprise a portion of the outer casing of an aerosol-generating device. This may be advantageous since an anodizing process may be used to customise the colour of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating device to control the overall appearance of the device.
  • Example 1 A method for treating the surface of a metallic material, the method comprising: a sealing step comprising reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer, and a coating step comprising applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
  • Example 2 A method according to Example 1, wherein the sealing step comprises a hydration reaction in which the first nickel free solution is reacted with water to form a hydroxide.
  • Example 3 A method according to claim Example 1 or Example 2, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
  • Example 4 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises a semi-organic compound.
  • Example 7 A method according to Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for no more than 10 minutes.
  • Example 8 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at least 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Example 9 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at no more than 70 degrees Celsius.
  • Example 11 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for no more than 25 minutes.
  • Example 13 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at no more than 95 degrees Celsius.
  • Example 14 A method according to any preceding Example, further comprising a pre-sealing cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material before the sealing step.
  • Example 21 A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the metallic material comprises a portion of an aerosol-generating device.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material which has undergone a dyeing step
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material which has undergone a dyeing step and a sealing step according to the present invention
  • the metallic material 110 in this example is a portion of the housing of an electronic aerosol-generating device formed from aluminium metal.
  • the metallic material 110 first undergoes an anodizing process by using the metallic material 110 as an anode in an electrolytic cell with a suitable electrolyte. This anodization process produces a thick layer of aluminium oxide 120 on the surface of the metallic material 110.
  • the thick layer of aluminium oxide 120 includes a plurality of elongate pores which extend from, and are perpendicular to, the metallic material 110. This is shown in Figure 1.
  • the anodized metallic material 110 is then dyed in a dyeing step. This is achieved by applying a pigment to the surface of the anodized metallic material 110. This pigment 130 impregnates the porous structure of the aluminium oxide layer 120. This is shown in Figure 2.
  • the anodized and dyed metallic material 110 is then cleaned in a pre-sealing cleaning step.
  • the pre-sealing cleaning step is intended to remove any residue or debris from the anodizing and dyeing steps.
  • the pre-sealing cleaning step comprises electrocleaning.
  • the pre-sealing cleaning step comprises cleaning in pure water.
  • the anodized, dyed, and pre-cleaned metallic material 110 is then subjected to a sealing step.
  • the metallic material 110 is reacted with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer 140.
  • the sealing step is performed by immersing the metallic material 110 in the first nickel free solution for between 5 and 10 minutes at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius.
  • the first nickel free solution is a semi-organic compound.
  • the first nickel free solution comprises a polymeric material.
  • the first nickel free solution comprises iron.
  • the sealing step involves a hydration reaction.
  • the sealed metallic material 110 is shown in Figure 3.
  • the anodized, dyed, pre-cleaned, sealed, and coated metallic material 110 is then cleaned in a post-coating cleaning step.
  • the post-coating cleaning step is intended to remove any residue or debris from the sealing and coating steps.
  • the post-coating cleaning step comprises electrocleaning.
  • the post-coating cleaning step comprises cleaning in pure water.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Other Surface Treatments For Metallic Materials (AREA)
  • Chemical Treatment Of Metals (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a method for treating the surface of a metallic material (110). The method comprises a sealing step. The sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material (110) with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer (140). The method comprises a coating step. The coating step comprises applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer (140) to form a coating (150).

Description

Metal Surface Treatment Method
The present invention relates to a method for treating the surface of a metallic material. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for treating the surface of a metallic material including a sealing step and a coating step.
It is known to treat the surface of metals to modify the surface properties of the metal. For example, a metallic material may be surface treated to improve properties including the surface hardness, corrosion resistance, or aesthetics of the material. A common surface treatment is anodization.
Anodization may improve the abrasion and wear resistance of a metallic component. This may be due to the thick metal oxide layer which protects the metal from damage. Anodization may improve the corrosion resistance of a metallic component. In addition, it is known to use anodization to add colour to the surface of a metallic component. Anodization is particularly suitable for treating components formed from aluminium. Due to this ability to customise the colour, and to improve the durability of a product, anodization is often used to treat metallic components used in consumer products such as mobile phone cases.
The process of anodization involves producing a thick metal oxide layer on the metal surface. The metal oxide layer may be formed by incorporating the metallic component to be treated as the anode in an electrolytic cell. The anodizing process may use an acid as electrolyte. For example, the anodizing process may use at least one of chromic acid or sulphuric acid as an electrolyte.
The anodizing process may create a porous metal oxide structure on the surface of the metallic component. The pores may be elongate pores extending perpendicular from the surface of the metallic component. These pores may then be used to adsorb dye to colour the surface of the metallic component. However, these pores may also lead to corrosion. As a result, following the anodizing process, it is common to seal the anodized surface of the metallic component to close the pores in the metal oxide structure. Typically, the anodized metallic component is sealed by immersion in a solution of nickel acetate. The nickel acetate impregnates the pores and seals the metal oxide structure.
However, it has been found that sealing using nickel acetate does not always provide the surface durability required. In addition some consumers are known to experience allergic reactions when coming into contact with nickel. Furthermore, in some cases the extraction of nickel may have a negative environmental impact.
As a result, there is a need to provide a process which seals an anodized metallic component which provides a more durable finished component. In addition, the method needs to be cost effective and must be suitable for use with existing anodization processes.
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treating the surface of a metallic material. The method may comprise a sealing step. The sealing step may comprise  reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer. The method may comprise a coating step. The coating step may comprise applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for treating the surface of a metallic material. The method comprises a sealing step. The sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer. The method comprises a coating step. The coating step comprises applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
The inventors have identified that the multi-step process of the present invention provides several benefits compared to the single step sealing process of the prior art. In particular, the inventors have identified that the multi-step process of the present invention may advantageously provide a more resilient and durable surface treatment compared to the single step sealing process of the prior art. In addition, the multi-step process of the present invention may eliminate the need to use nickel acetate in a sealing process. This may advantageously reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions developing in users of the treated product. In addition, the reduced use of nickel may adventurously improve the sustainability of the sealing process.
The surface treating method of the present invention comprises at least a sealing step and a coating step. However, the surface treating method of the present invention may comprise one or more additional step. For example, the surface treating method of the present invention may comprise an additional one, two, three, four, or more additional steps.
The coating step may take place after the sealing step. The coating step may take place immediately after the sealing step.
As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “nickel free solution” refers to a solution which does not comprise nickel metal or a compound comprising nickel.
The sealing step may comprise a hydration reaction in which the first nickel free solution is reacted with water to form a hydroxide.
The hydroxide may form a sealing layer which closes the pores of the metal oxide structure. This may advantageously prevent corrosion of the metal within the pores of the metal oxide structure.
As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “hydration reaction” refers to a chemical reaction in which water is reacted with an unsaturated substrate. Typically, a hydration reaction involves reacting an alkene or an alkyne with water to yield an alcohol.
At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a compound containing a metallic element. At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a light metal. At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof. At least one of the  first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
The first nickel free solution may comprise a light metal. The second nickel free solution may comprise a light metal.
The first nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof. The second nickel free solution may comprise one or more of lithium, beryllium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, or combinations or alloys thereof.
The first nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron. The second nickel free solution may comprise at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
At least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound.
As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “semi-organic compound” refer to a hybrid material comprising both an organic compound and an inorganic compound.
The first nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound. The second nickel free solution may comprise a semi-organic compound.
The first nickel free solution may comprise a polymeric material. The first nickel free solution may comprise a hybrid and polymeric material.
The second nickel free solution may comprise a paint.
The sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution.
The sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for any length of time. The sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, or at least 5 minutes.
The sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for no more than 20 minutes, no more than 15 minutes, or no more than 10 minutes.
For example, the sealing step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for between about 1 minute and about 20 minutes, between about 2 minutes and about 15 minutes, or between about 5 minutes and about 10 minutes.
The sealing step may comprise applying the first nickel free solution to the metallic material in any other way. For example, the sealing step may comprise spraying the metallic material with the first nickel free solution.
The sealing step may take place at any temperature.
The sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of at least 5 degrees Celsius, at least 10 degrees Celsius, or at least 20 degrees Celsius.
The sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius, no more than 85 degrees Celsius, or no more than 70 degrees Celsius.
The sealing step may comprise reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at a temperature of between about 5 degrees Celsius and about 100 degrees Celsius, between about 10 degrees Celsius and about 85 degrees Celsius, or between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 70 degrees Celsius.
The coating step may comprise immersing the metallic material in the second nickel free solution. The coating step may comprise an electrophoresis step.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for any length of time.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, or at least 15 minutes.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for no more than 50 minutes, no more than 30 minutes, or no more than 25 minutes.
For example, the coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for between about 5 minutes and about 50 minutes, between about 10 minutes and about 30 minutes, or between about 15 minutes and about 25 minutes.
The coating step may take place at any temperature.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius, at least 75 degrees Celsius, or at least 80 degrees Celsius.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of no more than 110 degrees Celsius, no more than 100 degrees Celsius, or no more than 95 degrees Celsius.
The coating step may comprise applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at a temperature of between about 70 degrees Celsius and about 110 degrees Celsius, between about 75 degrees Celsius and about 100 degrees Celsius, or between about 80 degrees Celsius and about 95 degrees Celsius.
The method may further comprise at least one additional step. The at least one additional step may be performed before or after the sealing step and the coating step.
The method may further comprise a pre-sealing cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material before the sealing step.
The pre-cleaning step may take place after an anodizing step. The pre-cleaning step may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the anodizing step. The provision of a pre-cleaning step before the sealing step may advantageously make the sealing step more effective. For example, the pre-cleaning step may advantageously remove debris from  the porous metal oxide structure to prevent the debris from being sealed in the porous metal oxide structure.
The method may further comprise a post-coating cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material after the coating step.
The post-cleaning step may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the coating step.
At least one of the pre-sealing cleaning step and the post-coating cleaning step may comprise electrocleaning.
The pre-sealing cleaning step may comprise electrocleaning. The post-coating cleaning step may comprise electrocleaning.
As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “electrocleaning” refers to a method for removing soil, scale, or corrosion products from a metallic component by using the metallic component as an electrode in an electrolytic cell.
At least one of the pre-sealing cleaning step and the post-coating cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water.
The pre-sealing cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water. The post-coating cleaning step may comprise cleaning in pure water.
The pure water may be distilled water. The pure water may be deionised water.
Cleaning the metallic material using pure water may advantageously remove debris and contamination. Cleaning in pure water may take place after the electrocleaning. This may advantageously remove any debris and contamination originating from the electrocleaning.
The method may further comprise a dyeing step in which a coloured pigment is applied to the metallic material, the dyeing step occurring before the a sealing step.
The provision of a dyeing step before the sealing step may advantageously allow the dye to penetrate into the porous metal oxide structure before the metal oxide is sealed by the sealing step.
The method may further comprise an anodizing step in which a metal oxide layer is formed on the surface of the metallic material, the anodizing step occurring before the sealing step. The anodizing step may occur before the dyeing step where a dyeing step is present.
The provision of an anodizing step may advantageously improve the corrosion resistance and durability of the metallic material.
The metallic material may be any metallic material. Suitable metallic materials include, but are not limited to titanium, aluminium, zinc, or alloys thereof.
Preferably, the metallic material comprises aluminium metal or an aluminium alloy.
Aluminium is particularly suitable for anodizing since it forms a hard oxide which increases the durability of the metal surface.
The metallic material may comprise any suitable metallic component. For example, the metallic material may be a metallic component of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol- generating device may be an electronic cigarette. The aerosol-generating device may be intended to be used in conjunction with an aerosol-generating article. For example, where the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating article may be intended to be heated by the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol. Where this is the case, the aerosol-generating device may include a heater to heat the aerosol-generating article. The heater may be an electrical resistance heater. The heater may be an induction heater.
The metallic material may be any metallic component of an aerosol-generating device. The metallic material may comprise a portion of the outer casing of an aerosol-generating device. This may be advantageous since an anodizing process may be used to customise the colour of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating device to control the overall appearance of the device.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Example 1. A method for treating the surface of a metallic material, the method comprising: a sealing step comprising reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer, and a coating step comprising applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
Example 2. A method according to Example 1, wherein the sealing step comprises a hydration reaction in which the first nickel free solution is reacted with water to form a hydroxide.
Example 3. A method according to claim Example 1 or Example 2, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
Example 4. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises a semi-organic compound.
Example 5. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution.
Example 6. A method according to Example 5, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for at least 5 minutes.
Example 7. A method according to Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for no more than 10 minutes.
Example 8. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at least 20 degrees Celsius.
Example 9. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at no more than 70 degrees Celsius.
Example 10. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for at least 15 minutes.
Example 11. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for no more than 25 minutes.
Example 12. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at least 80 degrees Celsius.
Example 13. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at no more than 95 degrees Celsius.
Example 14. A method according to any preceding Example, further comprising a pre-sealing cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material before the sealing step.
Example 15. A method according to any preceding Example, further comprising a post-coating cleaning step in which debris and contamination is removed from the metallic material after the coating step.
Example 16. A method according to Example 14 or Example 15, wherein at least one of the pre-sealing cleaning step and the post-coating cleaning step comprises electrocleaning.
Example 17. A method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the pre-sealing cleaning step and the post-coating cleaning step comprises cleaning in pure water.
Example 18. A method according to any preceding Example, further comprising a dyeing step in which a coloured pigment is applied to the metallic material, the dyeing step occurring before the a sealing step.
Example 19. A method according to any preceding Example, further comprising an anodizing step in which a metal oxide layer is formed on the surface of the metallic material, the anodizing step occurring before the sealing step.
Example 20. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the metallic material comprises aluminium metal or an aluminium alloy.
Example 21. A method according to any preceding Example, wherein the metallic material comprises a portion of an aerosol-generating device.
In the following non-limiting examples, the invention will be further described with reference to the drawings of the accompanying Figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material,
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material which has undergone a dyeing step,
Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material which has undergone a dyeing step and a sealing step according to the present invention, and
Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the cross sectional microstructure of a portion of anodized material which has undergone a dyeing step, a sealing step according to the present invention, and a coating step according to the present invention.
There is provided a multistep process for treating the surface of a metallic material 110. The metallic material 110 in this example is a portion of the housing of an electronic aerosol-generating device formed from aluminium metal.
The metallic material 110 first undergoes an anodizing process by using the metallic material 110 as an anode in an electrolytic cell with a suitable electrolyte. This anodization process produces a thick layer of aluminium oxide 120 on the surface of the metallic material 110. The thick layer of aluminium oxide 120 includes a plurality of elongate pores which extend from, and are perpendicular to, the metallic material 110. This is shown in Figure 1.
The anodized metallic material 110 is then dyed in a dyeing step. This is achieved by applying a pigment to the surface of the anodized metallic material 110. This pigment 130 impregnates the porous structure of the aluminium oxide layer 120. This is shown in Figure 2.
The anodized and dyed metallic material 110 is then cleaned in a pre-sealing cleaning step. The pre-sealing cleaning step is intended to remove any residue or debris from the anodizing and dyeing steps. The pre-sealing cleaning step comprises electrocleaning. The pre-sealing cleaning step comprises cleaning in pure water.
The anodized, dyed, and pre-cleaned metallic material 110 is then subjected to a sealing step. In the sealing step, the metallic material 110 is reacted with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer 140. The sealing step is performed by immersing the metallic material 110 in the first nickel free solution for between 5 and 10 minutes at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. The first nickel free solution is a semi-organic compound. The first nickel free solution comprises a polymeric material. The first nickel free solution comprises iron. The sealing step involves a hydration reaction. The sealed metallic material 110 is shown in Figure 3.
The anodized, dyed, pre-cleaned, and sealed metallic material 110 is then subjected to a coating step. In the coating step, a second nickel free solution is applied to the sealing later 140 to form a coating later 150. The coating step is performed by immersing the metallic material 110 in the second nickel free solution for between 15 and 25 minutes at a temperature of about 85 degrees Celsius. The second nickel free solution is a semi-organic compound. The coated metallic material 110 is shown in Figure 4.
The anodized, dyed, pre-cleaned, sealed, and coated metallic material 110 is then cleaned in a post-coating cleaning step. The post-coating cleaning step is intended to remove any residue or debris from the sealing and coating steps. The post-coating cleaning step comprises electrocleaning. The post-coating cleaning step comprises cleaning in pure water.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" . Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10%of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic (s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.
While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. It will be understood that features described above in relation to one aspect of the invention or disclosure are equally applicable to other aspects of the invention or disclosure.

Claims (15)

  1. A method for treating the surface of a metallic material, the method comprising:
    a sealing step comprising reacting the metallic material with a first nickel free solution to form a sealing layer, and
    a coating step comprising applying a second nickel free solution to the sealing layer to form a coating.
  2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sealing step comprises a hydration reaction in which the first nickel free solution is reacted with water to form a hydroxide.
  3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises at least one of iron or a compound containing iron.
  4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first nickel free solution and the second nickel free solution comprises a semi-organic compound.
  5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution.
  6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for at least 5 minutes.
  7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the sealing step comprises immersing the metallic material in the first nickel free solution for no more than 10 minutes.
  8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at least 20 degrees Celsius.
  9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing step comprises reacting the metallic material with the first nickel free solution at no more than 70 degrees Celsius.
  10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for at least 15 minutes.
  11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material for no more than 25 minutes.
  12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at least 80 degrees Celsius.
  13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coating step comprises applying the second nickel free solution to the metallic material at no more than 95 degrees Celsius.
  14. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising an anodizing step in which a metal oxide layer is formed on the surface of the metallic material, the anodizing step occurring before the sealing step.
  15. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the metallic material comprises a portion of an aerosol-generating device.
PCT/CN2023/139572 2023-12-18 2023-12-18 Metal surface treatment method Pending WO2025129402A1 (en)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3852124A (en) * 1972-09-22 1974-12-03 Philco Ford Corp Duplex sealing process
DE2632626A1 (en) * 1975-07-25 1977-02-10 Ici Ltd BASE MATERIAL COATED WITH A METAL PHOSPHATE COATING
US4225398A (en) * 1977-03-30 1980-09-30 Yoshida Kogyo K.K. Method of improving the corrosion resistance of an anodically oxidized surface film on aluminum articles
CN102650067B (en) * 2011-02-25 2015-06-03 铃木株式会社 Method for painting article to be treated
KR102006759B1 (en) * 2016-08-29 2019-08-05 도요타지도샤가부시키가이샤 Method for producing heat-shielding film
US20210363654A1 (en) * 2018-06-22 2021-11-25 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Nickel-free sealing of anodized metal substrates
CN115399506A (en) * 2021-05-27 2022-11-29 深圳市卓力能技术有限公司 Atomization device, preparation process thereof and electronic atomization device

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3852124A (en) * 1972-09-22 1974-12-03 Philco Ford Corp Duplex sealing process
DE2632626A1 (en) * 1975-07-25 1977-02-10 Ici Ltd BASE MATERIAL COATED WITH A METAL PHOSPHATE COATING
US4225398A (en) * 1977-03-30 1980-09-30 Yoshida Kogyo K.K. Method of improving the corrosion resistance of an anodically oxidized surface film on aluminum articles
CN102650067B (en) * 2011-02-25 2015-06-03 铃木株式会社 Method for painting article to be treated
KR102006759B1 (en) * 2016-08-29 2019-08-05 도요타지도샤가부시키가이샤 Method for producing heat-shielding film
US20210363654A1 (en) * 2018-06-22 2021-11-25 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Nickel-free sealing of anodized metal substrates
CN115399506A (en) * 2021-05-27 2022-11-29 深圳市卓力能技术有限公司 Atomization device, preparation process thereof and electronic atomization device

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