Effects of Coloring Conditions on the Properties of the Film for Colored Stainless Steels

Synopsis : Colored films on the stainless steel, formed by the alternating current electrolyzing ( ACE) method and the conventional one ( INCO method) , have been studied to clarify the differences in the structure, rub resistance and polarization resistance of them. In the ACE method, the effects of electrolyzing patterns on the color tone and polarization resistance of the film have been investigated. The results obtained are as follows ; (1) The film formed by the ACE method has the higher Cr content, the more uniform Cr dispersion and the better rub resistance than that of the conventional one. (2) The polarization resistance of the film measured by AC impedance method is proportional to its thickness, and is higher in the ACE method than that in the conventional one. (3) The growth behaviour of the film by the ACE method depends on the electrolyzing condition for coloring; increasing type of electrolysis current leads to thinner thickness and higher polarization resistance of the film in comparison with those obtained by the decreasing pattern.