Abstract:
Electrically functional and decorative surface coatings- which are durable, attractive in appearance and resistant to corrosion and most importantly have long-lasting retention of foregoing properties under service conditions- are produced by reactive absorption of unsaturated oils into oxides of certain metals and metal alloys. The oil-treated oxide surfaces- especially after periods of in-service use- have lower contact impedance, higher conductivity, better retention of appearance and greater resistance to wear and corrosion than the untreated oxides. It appears that a highly stable interfacial compound is formed between the oil, the oxide coating and possibly the unoxidized basic metallic material, which differs considerably from the oxide in stability and general physical composition. Existence of this compound is evidenced by the heightened ability of the treated finish to withstand corrosion and scratching, and the tendency of the finish to actually harden and acquire greater wear resistance and permanence of appearance with age.