Aluminium coatings methods available

Some alternative chromate free pretreatment methods for aluminium surfaces have already been described [14 16], Commercially available products mainly consist of titanium and zirconium compounds. Hybrid polymer sol-gel materials are potential substitutes for hexavalent chromium-based surface treatments as well. Due to the chemical characteristics, in particular, the presence of hydroxy and alkoxy groups, the hybrid materials are qualified to coat metal as well as metal oxide surfaces. These groups can react with OH-groups on the surfaces of both metals and metal oxides. Water and alcohols are eliminated, while bonds between the hybrid polymer and the metal surface are created (Fig. 6.6), thus leading to good durable adhesion of the layers to the metal substrates [17,18]. Similar to silane adhesion promoters, the hybrid sol-gel materials can also link to organic polymer paint systems (Fig. 6.7). 

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