Aluminium is a versatile material – but transparent? The possibility of converting aluminium into a transparent form is not new — but until now, this was only possible at great technical and financial expense. Researchers at the Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines) have now developed a simplified process that produces transparent aluminium oxide (TAlOx) in a particularly resource-saving and cost-efficient way.
Instead of complex laser technologies or vacuum systems, the process relies on an innovative form of low-voltage-based anodisation: with the help of micro-droplets and a voltage of just two volts, a resistant, translucent oxide layer is created – with great potential for industrial applications such as display technology, photovoltaics or protective coatings.
Taking electrochemistry a step further
The principle is not new – the anodisation of aluminium is also part of Alufinish’s core business. However, the innovation here lies in the reduction: instead of complex plant technology or large-volume chemical processes, the new method uses targeted micro-droplets of an acidic solution and a low DC voltage to produce aluminium oxide with high transparency.
This finding is remarkable in two respects: on the one hand, it confirms the enormous potential of anodic oxidation for new types of material, and on the other, it shows how important it is to focus on energy-efficient, sustainable process management – a claim that Alufinish is already pursuing with solutions such as chrome-free passivation or Qualanod-tested products.
Fields of application with a future
A transparent aluminium oxide has numerous advantages: it is mechanically resilient, offers corrosion protection, remains temperature-stable – and, depending on how it is produced, can even be translucent and scratch-resistant. This makes it interesting for industries such as:
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- Electronics (e.g. as a display or sensor material)
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- Photovoltaics (e.g. as a protective front layer)
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- Architecture (e.g. as clear, resistant façade elements)
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- Paint carriers and coating systems (e.g. for particularly durable applications)
The possibility of producing such transparent oxide layers efficiently and in a resource-saving manner on an industrial scale in the future is particularly exciting.
Research as an impetus for the industry
Although the new technology is still in its infancy, it underlines the fact that the surface chemistry of aluminium is far from exhausted. For us at Alufinish, this is an incentive to continue investing in future-proof technologies that combine sustainability, process reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Because regardless of whether it’s a classic anodised finish or an innovative approach, the right pre-treatment is the key to durable, functional aluminium surfaces