A Comparison of Sulfuric Acid/Boric Acid Anodize and Chromic Acid Anodize Processes
Abstract
Chromic acid anodizing (CAA) is an aluminum surface pretreatment currently used on Navy aircraft and weapon systems. This anodize process forms a thick oxide film which provides protection against environmental degradation. This is particularly important due to the severely corrosive naval aviation operational environment. Chromium VI, however, is a carcinogen and its wide spread use as a corrosion inhibitor in this process is being restricted. The Navy has targeted chromated maintenance operations for reduction of hazardous waste generation. Several alternative candidates have been identified: Phosphoric Acid Anodizing, Boeing Aerospace Corp.'s Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodize (SBAA) and thin film sulfuric acid anodizing. The Boeing SBAA process was selected for optimization and service demonstration. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Warminster analyzed the performance properties of SBAA and CAA both sealed and unsealed on various substrates with and without standard Navy coatings. Surface pretreatments, Anodic films, Environmentally complaint materials, Organic coatings
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 22, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA271933
Entities
People
- Frank R. Pepe
- Stephen J. Spadafora
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Divison