Overview
ISO 8079:1984 - "Aerospace process - Anodic treatment of aluminium alloys - Sulfuric acid process, dyed coating" specifies process, inspection and quality requirements for producing dyed sulfuric-acid anodic coatings on aluminium alloys for aerospace use. The standard applies where coatings are not required to withstand prolonged weathering or direct sunlight and where anodizing is used to improve corrosion resistance, provide coloured surfaces for appearance, or colour-code components.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard details process control, testing and acceptance criteria, including:
- Electrolyte chemistry: aqueous sulfuric acid electrolyte, nominal 15% (150–200 g/L H2SO4); maximum dissolved aluminium and chloride limits; bath temperature control (≈21 ± 2 °C).
- Anodizing parameters: recommended voltages (about 16–22 V) and times (25–50 min) to achieve specified current densities (110–160 A/m2); continuous agitation of the electrolyte.
- Dyeing: immersion in appropriate dye baths with agitation; rinsing and handling guidance to ensure stable colour and avoid premature fading during normal storage/service.
- Sealing (colmatage): primary sealing using aqueous nickel- or cobalt-acetate solutions; optional secondary dichromate seal (Na2Cr2O7 or K2Cr2O7) and pH controls; temperature and dwell time requirements for sealing baths.
- Water quality: limits on initial conductivity, total dissolved solids and silica; pH control recommendations to avoid deposit formation.
- Thickness and mass requirements: minimum local coating thickness and mass-per-unit-area values specified for different alloy families (different limits for alloys with copper content ≥1% vs