Abstract:
A body, particularly a thin layer, of aluminium or aluminium alloy is given a corrosion-resistant bright dense barrier-type protective layer. The layer has a thickness in the range 50 to 500 nm and comprises aluminium oxide and a chelate complex of aluminium and at least one organic chelating compound. The layer is formed by contacting the surface with a solution of the chelating compound of pH 2 to 7 and, optionally, performing oxidative electrolysis.