 Patented galvano-aluminum production according to the RASANT-ALCOTEC procedure
yields a coating that meets today's requirements regarding surface quality as
well as environmental aspects, which are continually gaining importance.
This is an electrochemical coating procedure, based on metal deposition from
organometallic complex electrolytes onto a substrate. The electrolyte consists
essentially of aluminum alkyl complexes in a nonaqueous solution. Since the
upstream activation step, which is patented, also proceeds in a nonaqueous medium,
the materials to be coated show no hydrogen embrittlement. All process steps are
performed in a fully enclosed unit under an inert gas atmosphere. This oxygen-free
system allows excellent material adhesion.
Galvano-aluminum produced by RASANT-ALCOTEC may be deposited directly on any of the
primary metals such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum alloys, without
the necessity of adding intermediate layers. A wide variety of plastics, too, may thus
be refined, especially for decorative purposes. The final coating has a spherical structure,
giving rise to a highly homogeneous surface.
Galvano-aluminum may be submitted to after-treatment according to any of the processes
suitable for massive aluminum, such as chromatization, chromium-VI - free passivation,
phosphatizing, and anodization. The resulting coatings satisfy even the most stringent
technical delivery conditions, such as the military specification C83448C regarding
"Coating Aluminum, High Purity" and the TL 243 stipulated by Volkswagen.
Properties and Benefits
In many respects, aluminum is an unrivalled coating material defying all competition.
Galvano-aluminum produced according to the RASANT-ALCOTEC process is characterized by its
high purity, its fine crystalline structure, and high ductility. The aluminium plating
offers excellent anticorrosive properties, even at elevated temperatures. In this respect
it surpasses the properties of other coatings by far, such as cadmium, zinc, zinc alloys,
nickel, and others.
This has certain economical benefits, since the product also has favorable ecological properties.
Being the most frequently occurring metal in the crust of the earth, it is inexpensive, relatively
independent of speculation, and thus making out for brilliant future prospects.
Aluminum offers a variety of technological benefits. It is extremely light-weight and possesses
high ductility, low internal stress, and high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Functional benefits include excellent anticorrosive properties, heat resistance up to 550 °C, and
ductility. Anodized coatings are biocompatible, have high abrasion resistance, and lend themselves
to easy pigmentation.
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