Decoration of Non-ferrous Metals

Abstract

Enamel is a thin glassy coating obtained by high-temperature treatment. Technical enamels are applied to products made of cast iron, steel, aluminum and light metal alloys. The metal-enamel combination successfully combines the molding ability and strength of the metal with the chemical resistance and stability of the glass. The aim of this study is to develop methods for decorating non-ferrous metals. Based on the literature analysis, a composition with similar values of the thermal coefficient of linear expansion (TCLE) of enamel (α = 159·10−7 К−1) and copper (α = 162·10−7 К−1) was selected as enamel for decorating copper. The compositions of glass coatings containing fractions of 0.071 mm and 0.1 mm were modeled. The optimal composition of glass coatings was determined experimentally, which contains 70% of the 0.071 mm fraction and 30% of the 0.1 mm fraction. The TCLE of the glass-enamel stack was determined by the dilatometric method with a measurement accuracy of ±1.5%, the TCLE curve was constructed according to the experimental data. The fusibility of the samples was determined in a laboratory muffle silite furnace SNOL-1.6. The frit was made at a temperature of 1250 °C for 0.5 h. The slip was prepared from each composition according to the classical scheme and applied by dipping.