Aluminum Company of America

John T Siemon

Gary A Nitowski

James M Marinelli

Sherri F McCleary

Miloslav Novak

Jan L Teply

Ross E Grimm

Andrew P Antoninka

Lawrence M Ruckdeschel

Martin F Fitzgerald

John V Costrini

Claire A Byars

R Rao Valisetty

Arun R Mehta

An aluminum alloy sheet, plate, casting or extrusion having a surface layer containing magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide is cleaned with an acidic solution. The cleaned component has an aluminum oxide layer that is pretreated with a phosphorus-containing organic acid to form a functionalized layer. A layer of polymeric adhesive is applied to the functionalized layer, and the adhesive layer is joined to a metal support structure to form a vehicle assembly.

Acid pretreatment for adhesive bonding of vehicle assemblies

Aluminum alloy sheet coated with an organophosphonic or organophosphinic acid is joined to an adjacent metal member by means of a polymeric adhesive, preferably an epoxy adhesive. The coated sheet may be worked into a desired configuration after coating. Assemblies made in accordance with the invention are useful as vehicle parts, including automotive body parts.

Coating aluminum alloy sheet to promote adhesive bonding for vehicle

A wall assembly suitable for use on ships and offshore drilling platforms and in similar applications requiring fire resistance, low weight, and strength. The wall assembly includes a light weight principal panel having first and second fiber reinforced polymer skin layers joined to a core, and a metal frame adhered to the skin layers without any through fasteners. The frame preferably includes a first metal plate adhered to the first skin layer and a second metal plate adhered to the second skin layer and welded to the first metal plate. The frame is preferably welded to a metal support structure. The wall assembly may be used as a deck, floor, roof, vertical wall, gate or door.

Wall assembly for offshore use

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Cheswick, PA, United States of America

John T Siemon