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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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New surface treatment for aluminum

Hi,

My name is KK Tan from Malaysia. I came across a patented aluminum anodizing process which I am looking at investing. However, I am wary. I need your expert advice on the following. Can this be true technically?

After surface treatment, coated AL has thermal conductivity improves close to Cu. The following is the data. As a comparison, Silver 1.0, Cu 0.94, Al 0.53 and coated AL is 0.90. The surface hardness for Al is 80, Stainless Steel is 200 and the coated AL is > 450.

Can the above be achieved via anodising? KK

KK Tan
- Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
2004

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You can't possibly get expert advice on a subject when it's presented in carefully guarded fashion, Mr. Tan. I don't think any possible response exists except "nothing is impossible, but it doesn't sound likely".

You call the process you talk about a 'surface treatment' which implies surface finishing issues that don't effect the bulk properties, so substantially improving the bulk thermal conductivity of aluminum doesn't sound probable. The values you quote sound more like electrical conductivity numbers than thermal conductivity numbers. What scale are your hardness ratings in? 

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

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I suggest that you hire an expert technical consultant and provide him with all of the details before investing. The information you've provided is not sufficient.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
2004

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2004

Hi,

I need expert advice on the following patented claim and to validate a new coating technology/process that claims to enhance the property of coated aluminum. The following is the basic characteristic after the coating process.

I have tested a few of the samples wrt to engine parts, etc; however, we are not familiar with the heat sink aspect.

Heat Conductivity
  Aluminum 	0.53 Coated X 	0.90 Copper   	0.94 Silver	1.0
  Surface Hardness
  Aluminum		80 Stainless Steel	200 Coated X		>450
 

What are some of the pertinent questions or aspect we should look out for? Is the above possible. Please advise.

KK Tan
- Penang, Malaysia

I guess it is electroless nickel plating. The process involves zincating the aluminium, then electroless nickel and then heat treating the layer. The electroless nickel is often used in electronic industries. You can use even platinum group of metals to plate on aluminium.

Leeleongtee
leeplating - malacca, Malaysia
2004

Yes Electroless Ni plating helps much in this situation. However the process of EN plating itself must be properly considered as to control the best layer plated thickness on the surfaces. I suggest ou try on 13 micron meter coating layer as your first rough try.

Mohammad Faris
Metallurgy - Balik Pulau, Penang, MALAYSIA
2006