Methods for producing white appearing metal oxide films by positioning reflective particles prior to or during anodizing processes
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsLucy E. Browning, Daniel T. McDonald, Stephen B. Lynch, Brian S. Tryon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The embodiments described herein relate to anodic films and methods for forming anodic films. The methods described can be used to form anodic films that have a white appearance. Methods involve positioning reflective particles on or within a substrate prior to or during an anodizing process. The reflective particles are positioned within the metal oxide of the resultant anodic film but substantially outside the pores of the anodic film. The reflective particles scatter incident light giving the resultant anodic film a white appearance.
Claims20
A part, comprising:
- a metal substrate, and
- a metal oxide film formed on the metal substrate, the metal oxide film comprising:
- a pattern of first metal oxide portions surrounded by a second metal oxide portion,
- wherein each of the first metal oxide portions includes reflective particles embedded therein such that the metal oxide film takes on a white appearance.
An enclosure for an electronic device, the enclosure comprising:
- a metal exterior portion;
- and
- a metal oxide film formed on the metal exterior portion, the metal oxide film comprising a plurality of reflective particles embedded therein, the plurality of reflective particles giving the metal oxide film a white appearance, wherein the metal oxide film has a lightness L value ranging from about 85 to about 100.
An enclosure for an electronic device, the enclosure comprising:
- a metal exterior portion;
- and
- a metal oxide film formed on the metal exterior portion, the metal oxide film comprising a plurality of reflective particles embedded therein, the plurality of reflective particles giving the metal oxide film a white appearance, wherein the plurality of reflective particles are comprised of at least one of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum, steel, chromium, titanium carbide, silicon carbide and zirconium carbide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.