Inventors:
Albert L. Askin - Lower Burrell PA, US
Verne Bergstrom - Natrona Heights PA, US
Robert E. Bombalski - New Kensington PA, US
Paula L. Kolek - Tarentum PA, US
Nickolas C. Kotow - Bethel Park PA, US
Marlene A. Thompson - Murrysville PA, US
Jean Ann Skiles - Gibsonia PA, US
Luis F. Vega - Cheswick PA, US
James M. Marinelli - Murrysville PA, US
Daniel Serafin - Wexford PA, US
Assignee:
Alcoa Inc. - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
C25D 11/18, B05D 5/12
Abstract:
Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.