Determination of the dye penetration rate in porous aluminum oxide using Raman spectroscopy

Oxidised aluminum coatings are useful in various high technology applications to protect surfaces from negative environmental effects. In this study, aluminum discs and foils of industrial alloys were anodised in a sulphuric acid/oxalic acid electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the pore diameter, distribution and surface porosity. The anodising procedure was adapted to produce near‐hollow templates on aluminium foil, onto which aqueous solutions of commercial chromium‐complexed anionic azodyes were dropped. Raman spectroscopy was used to detect the penetration of dye compounds based on the most intensive vibrational modes. Each dye was successfully monitored to assess its penetration rate and behaviour in the anodised coating. This method could be applied to characterise newly developed organic dyes for aluminum colouring.