METHODS OF PREPARING 7XXX ALUMINUM ALLOYS FOR ADHESIVE BONDING, AND PRODUCTS RELATING TO THE SAME
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- (a) receiving a 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet, wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet comprises a surface oxide layer;
(i) wherein the surface oxide layer comprises an as-received thickness;
(ii) wherein the surface oxide layer comprises magnesium oxides and aluminum oxides;
(iii) wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet comprises copper-bearing intermetallic particles at least proximal the surface oxide layer;
(b) reducing the as-received thickness of the surface oxide layer to a preparation thickness, wherein the reducing comprises at least one of;
(i) reducing a volume fraction of the magnesium oxides of the surface oxide layer;
(ii) increasing a volume fraction of the aluminum oxides of the surface oxide layer; and
(iii) maintaining a volume fraction of the copper-bearing intermetallic particles proximal the surface oxide layer;
(c) after the reducing step, creating a functional layer bonded to the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet.
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Abstract
Methods of preparing 7xxx aluminum alloy products for adhesive bonding are disclosed. Generally, the methods include chemical and/or mechanically preparing a 7xxx aluminum alloy product to reduce the amount of magnesium oxides while maintaining any copper-containing intermetallic particles located proximal the surface of the 7xxx aluminum alloy product. After preparation, a functionalized layer may be produced thereon for adhesive bonding.
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20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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(a) receiving a 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet, wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet comprises a surface oxide layer; (i) wherein the surface oxide layer comprises an as-received thickness; (ii) wherein the surface oxide layer comprises magnesium oxides and aluminum oxides; (iii) wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet comprises copper-bearing intermetallic particles at least proximal the surface oxide layer; (b) reducing the as-received thickness of the surface oxide layer to a preparation thickness, wherein the reducing comprises at least one of; (i) reducing a volume fraction of the magnesium oxides of the surface oxide layer; (ii) increasing a volume fraction of the aluminum oxides of the surface oxide layer; and (iii) maintaining a volume fraction of the copper-bearing intermetallic particles proximal the surface oxide layer; (c) after the reducing step, creating a functional layer bonded to the 7xxx aluminum alloy sheet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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