Electrolytic coating for aluminum components with weld joints
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorsBlair A. Smith, Sophie Lubin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A coated component includes a metallic body defining an inner volume configured to retain a fluid therein. The metallic body includes a plurality of segments, at least one weld joint attaching the plurality of segments, an outer surface, and an inner surface facing and defining the inner volume. The component further includes a chrome-free protective coating disposed on each of the outer surface and the inner surface. The coating includes an epoxy layer, and an oxide layer disposed between the epoxy layer and the respective outer surface and inner surface.
Claims16
A coated component comprising:
- a metallic body defining an inner volume configured to retain a fluid therein, the metallic body comprising:
- a plurality of segments;
- at least one weld joint attaching the plurality of segments;
- an outer surface;
- and
- an inner surface facing and defining the inner volume;
- and
- an electrolytic chrome-free protective coating anodically electrodeposited on each of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the at least one weld joint of the metallic body, the protective coating comprising:
- an epoxy layer;
- and
- an oxide layer comprising oxide filaments anchoring the epoxy layer to the respective outer surface, the inner surface, and the at least one weld joint.
A method of anodically electrodepositing a chrome-free protective coating on an aluminum component comprising a plurality of segments, at least one weld joint attaching the plurality of segments, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the method comprising:
- immersing the component in an electrodeposition bath comprising a chrome-free protective coating material;
- configuring the component as a positively-charged anode;
- applying voltage across the component to allow for deposition of the chrome-free protective coating material to form a coated component comprising an electrolytic chrome-free protective coating disposed on each of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the at least one weld joint;
- rinsing the coated component;
- and
- curing the coated component;
- wherein the electrolytic chrome-free protective coating comprises:
- an epoxy layer;
- and
- an oxide layer comprising oxide filaments anchoring the epoxy layer to the respective outer surface, the inner surface, and the at least one weld joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.