Process for treating a surface

Abstract

A process for treating a surface of an aluminium component and an aluminium component of this kind are described. The process described is characterized in that a silicon oxide layer is applied to the surface of the aluminium component.

1 . A process for treating a surface ( 44 ) of an aluminium component ( 10 ), wherein at least one silicon oxide layer ( 14 ) is applied to the surface of the aluminium component ( 10 ).  
   
   
       2 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein an eloxal coating ( 12 ) is produced by oxidation, the surface ( 44 ) of which forms the surface ( 44 ) of the aluminium component ( 10 ).  
   
   
       3 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is applied to the surface ( 44 ).  
   
   
       4 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the silicon oxide layer ( 14 ) is applied by means of an open-air plasma process.  
   
   
       5 . The process according to  claim 4 , wherein a low pressure open-air plasma process is carried out.  
   
   
       6 . The process according to  claim 5 , wherein air is used as the carrier gas.  
   
   
       7 . The process according to  claim 6 , wherein the silicon oxide layer ( 14 ) is applied using a nozzle ( 36 ).  
   
   
       8 . The process according to  claim 7 , wherein during the application, the nozzle ( 36 ) is moved along the surface ( 44 ) to be treated at a spacing of 4 mm therefrom.  
   
   
       9 . The process according to  claim 8 , wherein the nozzle ( 36 ) is moved along the surface ( 44 ) to be treated at a rate of 10 m/min.  
   
   
       10 . The process according to  claim 9 , wherein the carrier gas is supplied at a rate of 2,000 l/h.  
   
   
       11 . The process according to  claim 10 , wherein the carrier gas is heated to a temperature of about 200° to 210° C.  
   
   
       12 . An aluminium component, the surface ( 44 ) of which has at least one silicon oxide layer ( 14 ) applied to it.  
   
   
       13 . The aluminium component according to  claim 12 , having an eloxal coating ( 12 ) produced by oxidation, the surface ( 44 ) of which forms the surface ( 44 ) of the aluminium component ( 10 ).  
   
   
       14 . The aluminium component according to  claim 13 , wherein a layer of tetraethyl orthosilicate serves as the silicone oxide layer ( 14 ).  
   
   
       15 . The aluminium component according to  claim 14 , wherein four silicon oxide layers ( 14 ) are applied.  
   
   
       16 . The aluminium component according to  claim 15 , which is designed as a decorative trim for a motor vehicle.