1 Scope
This document specifies two methods to assess the quality of sealed anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and its alloys:
Method 1 which assesses the quality of sealed anodic oxidation coatings by measuring the loss of mass after immersion in a phosphoric acid based solution without prior acid treatment;
Method 2 which assesses the quality of sealed anodic oxidation coatings by measuring the loss of mass after immersion in a phosphoric acid based solution with prior acid treatment.
Method 1 is applicable to anodic oxidation coatings intended for decorative or protective purposes or where resistance to staining is important.
Method 2 is applicable to anodic oxidation coatings intended for outdoor architectural purposes. For less severe applications, Method 1 can be more suitable.
The methods are not applicable to the following:
hard-type anodic oxidation coatings which normally are not sealed;
anodic oxidation coatings that have been sealed only in dichromate solutions;
anodic oxidation coatings produced in chromic acid solutions;
anodic oxidation coatings that have undergone treatment to render them hydrophobic.
NOTE 1 While the methods assess the quality of hydrothermal sealing applied to anodized aluminium, they can be appropriate for other sealing methods.