Anodized aluminum is treated with sulfuric acid and an electric current to create a thicker, harder, and smoother material. It is used in automobiles, architecture, electronics, cookware, and medical devices. Hard anodizing produces a non-stick surface and can be dyed different colors.
Anodized aluminum is aluminum that has been treated with a bath of sulfuric acid while a low voltage current passes through the solution. Hard anodized aluminum was treated similarly, except the electric current is substantially higher and the solution temperature is lowered to 32°F (0°C). Depending on the process, the solution may also contain oxalic acid. The process creates a material that is thicker, harder, and smoother than aluminum that hasn’t been anodized.
While it is possible to anodize different metals, aluminum reacts differently to the process. Anodizing aluminum produces a thin coating that protects against rust, but some processes also produce a much thicker rust barrier. The end product has many different uses and is an important part of many automobiles and aircraft. Architects can use anodized aluminum for exterior decorations and electronics manufacturers appreciate it for its ability to insulate sensitive parts from electrical currents.
Automakers have long been major proponents of the aluminum anodizing process. Although stainless steel offers some of the benefits of hard anodized aluminum, steel is heavier and more expensive. Anodized products can withstand high temperatures and do not conduct electricity.
Professional cooks and chefs often prefer anodized pans for more than just the material’s ability to withstand heat. Hard anodizing produces a smooth surface that provides a non-stick surface even without applying a non-stick coating. Delicate foods can be prepared so that they release easily and are more appealing. Cleaning hard-anodized aluminum cookware typically takes little effort, but they shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher.
The medical sector is another area in which to adapt hard anodized aluminum to your needs. Prostheses and artificial joints made from anodized aluminum are stronger than those made from regular aluminum, but the weight is not substantially increased. By using hard anodized aluminum, prosthesis designers can create devices that are more durable and work more smoothly. Implanted devices and anodized aluminum joints are more resistant to the harmful effects of blood, which can cause such devices to corrode.
Manufacturers can easily add a dye during the anodizing process to produce a variety of colors. The solution penetrates deep into the coating, taking the dye with it. As a result, the finished product resists fading. Some colors, however, are more resistant to fading than others, with some shades of red and blue being more prone to fading, and black being less likely to fade. Without the addition of dye, the color of hard anodized aluminum ranges from dark brown to dark gray.
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