Anodized aluminum on International Space Station

[kenvlach]

I noticed an article on the ISS on the Aluminum Extruders Council website. Not really new, but it specifically mentions why the aluminum was anodized:

"...The anodized surface finish on the extrusions provides superior optical properties, because anodized aluminum doesn’t get as hot, giving better overall thermal control.”

"Handrails are anodized in a bright gold ^* finish to stand out visually against the clear silver truss structures—an essential point of safety for every crewmember on an EVA."

http://www.aec.org/assets/pdfs/ShowcaseSeptMag9low.pdf

^*Pretty certain this is an inorganic dye based on Fe, commonly known as Gold 4N.

 

[JamesG123]

Anodizing is also done to prevent cold/vacuum welding if two like metal objects come into contact.

BTW- First post here to this here great forum!