Process for making aluminum-coated glass-ceramic cooking vessel and article produced thereby

A process for producing an aluminum-coated glass-ceramic cooking vessel exhibiting improved thermal durability which comprises the steps of:

• a. selecting a glass-ceramic vessel composed of a lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramic material comprising a principal crystal phase consisting of beta-spodumene solid solution;
• b. preheating at least a selected surface portion of the glass-ceramic vessel to a temperature in the range of about 120.degree.-600.degree. C;
• c. applying to the preheated selected surface portion a molten aluminum metal spray, said spray being produced by melting an aluminum metal powder and being applied in a quantity sufficient to provide an aluminum metal coating on the vessel having a thickness in the range of about 18-28 mils;
• d. providing the aluminum coating with a film of phosphoric acid;
• and
• e. heating said aluminum coating and film to a temperature at least sufficient to decompose the phosphoric acid.