Patent ID: 6120618
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A method of controlling bulk absorption of atomic hydrogen and facilitating degassing of hydrogen from an aluminum alloy workpiece during heat treatment in furnaces with an ambient or moisture-laden atmosphere, the method comprising:exposing the surface of an aluminum alloy workpiece to a solution of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon phosphonic acid selected from the group consisting of an alkyl phosphonic acid, an olefinic phosphonic acid, an aryl phosphonic acid, and combinations thereof,subjecting said workpiece exposed to the phosphonic acid solution to a heat treatment at temperatures greater than about 300.degree. C., such that the deposited phosphonic acid substantially decreases the amount of atomic hydrogen entering the bulk of the workpiece during said heat treatment and facilitates removal of hydrogen from the bulk of the workpiece during said heat treatment.