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Anodic Coating Measure

. I'm looking for a method to measure a thin layer Aluminum anodic coating (2-3 g/sqm), avoiding the acid dichromate solutions. Have you got any suggestion for a destructive or non destructive method?

Actually I sent several samples to the U.S.A. for thickness gauge tests, but in all cases they hadn't no measure consistency or no results at all. In the meantime I tried several solutions in my lab, replacing Chromium with other metals, but results were O.K. only with Ni and Co (a bit less dangerous than Cr). Any further suggestions from anybody?

Thanks for your help!

Francesco Cicchetti
- Sulmona, Italy
2000

Dear Francesco, Have you tried the non-destructive XRF-technique? I know it works for coatings with heavier metals. Aluminium might have a too low atomic weight for this technique, but at least you can give a try.

Ruud Gerritsen
Simpelveld, Netherlands
2000