Inventors:
George T. Gregory - Lower Burrell PA
Donald L. Nock - New Kensington PA
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
C23G 100, C23F 100
Abstract:
An aluminum-magnesium alloy sheet product having improved levels of brightness for use as container stock including food containers and beverage container ends, said sheet product chemically treated with an alkaline-based cleaner containing a sufficient amount of a compound of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) to inhibit the formation of a magnesium oxide-containing film thereon. Preferably, the sheet product is cast from a 5000 Series aluminum alloy (Aluminum Association designation) and the cleaner contains between about 0. 2-0. 7% by weight of the HEDP compound. A method for improving the brightness levels of an aluminum-magnesium alloy sheet product is further disclosed. The method comprises chemically treating the sheet product with an alkaline-based cleaner containing between about 0. 2-0. 7% by weight of an HEDP compound to inhibit the formation of a magnesium oxide-containing film thereon.