Methods of preparing 7xxx aluminum alloys for adhesive bonding, and products relating to the same

A method comprising:

• (a) preparing a 7xxx aluminum alloy product for anodizing, wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy product comprises an oxide layer on a base, and wherein the preparing step (a) comprises:
• (i) cleaning surfaces of the 7xxx aluminum alloy product;
• (ii) after the cleaning step (a)(i), exposing the 7xxx aluminum alloy product to a caustic;
• (iii) after the exposing step (a)(ii), contacting the 7xxx aluminum alloy product with an acid;
• and
• (iv) rinsing the 7xxx aluminum alloy product with water;
• wherein, due to the preparing step at least some of the oxide layer is removed and a prepared oxide layer is produced on the base,
• wherein, due to steps (a)(i)-(a)(iv), a prepared 7xxx aluminum alloy product is produced;
• (b) anodizing the prepared 7xxx aluminum alloy product in an acidic electrolyte solution and for a time sufficient to produce an anodic oxide layer, thereby producing an anodized 7xxx aluminum alloy product;
• (i) wherein a total thickness of the prepared oxide layer plus the anodic oxide layer is from 15 to 150 nanometers;
• and
• (c) after the anodizing step (b), contacting the anodized 7xxx aluminum alloy product with a phosphorous-containing organic acid to create a functional layer on the anodic oxide layer of the anodized 7xxx aluminum alloy product,
• wherein the contacting is selected from a group consisting of spraying, immersion, roll coating, and combinations thereof.