Q. My company uses black anodized aluminum substrates in devices for biological cell maintenance systems. I have several questions pertaining to the nature of the anodized aluminum substrate. 1) Does any aluminum leach through the black anodize coating? 2) What is the material used for anodizing? 3) Would an application of Teflon[R] using a plasma system stay rigorously attached to the surface? 4) How inert, chemically and electrically is black anodizing?

So far our cells have been fine, but certain cells are very sensitive and we are trying to verify that it will be all right to use anodized aluminum. Any thoughts would be appreciated. C.C.

A. The aluminum does not leach through the anodic coating. The coating is composed of aluminum oxide, which is formed by the controlled oxidation of the surface of the aluminum. This controlled reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell commonly filled with dilute sulfuric acid, although many other acids may be used. A direct current, again commonly, is passed through the cell with the parts being anodized having a positive charge

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