Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is well known for its unique
controllable structure and functional contributions in research
and developments. However, before AAO can be widely
used in the industry, some engineering problems should be
overcome. In this study, we designed a novel electrochemical
mold, which can resolve the exothermal problem for largesize
aluminum sheets during high-voltage anodization process.
AAO film with a large sample size of 11 x 11 cm2
in
area, 148 μm in thickness and 450 nm in average pore diameter,
decorated with ordered-pattern structure, was successfully
obtained through a 200 V anodization process. It was
noticed that the local heat was generated with increasing the
anodizing voltage, resulting in undesired pits and burr defects
on the AAO surface. In order to retain AAO’s quality
and reduce the producing cost of the anodization process,
a mass producing system combining with an overhead conveyor
was proposed. The convenient anodization system,
novel electrochemical mold and bath may help to fabricate
high-quality AAO films efficiently.
