Corrosion Protection processes for type 7050 Aluminum -- Akadize process?

A. The corrosion resistance provided by anodizing is highly dependent on layer thickness, use of a sealing treatment, and presence of cracks/fissures/unsealed pores. For the aggressive environment that naval vessels/aircraft/etc. must face, a traditional protective system would comprise the following:

1. anodic treatment (chromic acid, sulfuric acid, etc.)
2. sealing with sodium dichromate
3. painting (primer + topcoat)

It is highly unlikely that an anodized layer alone could match the corrosion protection of the conversion coating + primer + topcoat. There is some data (Metalast website) that shows Type II anodic layer + sealing with Anoseal 1000 on 7075 produces salt spray resistance > 4000 hours. This is similar performance to conversion coating (MIL-C-5541) + primer (MIL-PRF-23377 [on DLA]) + topcoat (MIL-PRF-85285 [link is to free spec spec at Defense Logistics Agency, dla.mil] ) as reported by Anderson & Webber (NAVAIR China Lake): http://dodconf.swri.org/2003Papers/Anderson.pdf

I'm not an expert in this area, so hopefully some others will reply with their knowledge.

! Thanks for the info, Toby!

Hi, Linda.

I see that you are with the supplier of this proprietary process. Please tell us basically what it is. Is it a proprietary anodizing process, a chromate-like conversion process, a PVD coating, a primer, or what? We work hard to keep this site technical and free of ads, and it gets hard to do that and keep it spam free if people post that their proprietary process may be the answer without telling us what their process involves :-)

Thanks!

Regards,

I am a Manufacturer's Representative for a company offering the Akadize process, which can give you superior aluminum qualities that should meet your needs.

Hi, Tim. As you can see, we merged Chris' inquiry and your response into an existing similar thread to minimize duplication.

You say it "should meet your needs" although Chris hasn't yet said whether he needs a conductive or a non-conductive coating, so which is Akadize please? :-) Linda apparently didn't see my earlier request, but now that you have, please tell us the basics of what kind of process it is.

Is it conductive or non-conductive, especially applicable to type 7050 aluminum, RoHS compatible, for example? Can it be primed and painted? What are the dimensional implications, etc. This site is for camaraderie and public technical info exchange. Thanks!

Regards,

Below is some additional information on the Akadize process:
- It is an oxidizing process similar to anodizing, using a proprietary chemical solution combined with electrical current.
- Oxidation is denser and harder than anodized surface.
- Exceeds Mil-A-8625F requirements.
- Original trade name was "Banadize"
- Roots go back to the space program/NASA ~40 years
- Different alloys have slightly different reactions.
- Not compatible with powder coating or painting.

Tim,
Akadize, Banadize is compatible with painting.