Working with a coated chamber

For posts specifically relating to fusor design, construction, and operation.
Post Reply
Jonathan Morag
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:49 pm
Real name: Jonathan Morag

Working with a coated chamber

Post by Jonathan Morag »

Hello,

I found a sealable aluminum vessel that seems perfect for a vacuum chamber.
However, the aluminum on the inside is anodized and coated with BR127.

This coating is supposed to be corrosion and heat resistant, but I wonder if the BR127 can handle Deuterium plasma without dirtying it up.
Has anyone ever worked with this coating in a chamber?

Thanks,
Jonathan
Jerry Biehler
Posts: 975
Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:08 am
Real name:
Location: Beaverton, OR

Re: Working with a coated chamber

Post by Jerry Biehler »

For low vacuum you will probably be ok, if you were going to high vacuum I would say no, the anodizing is porous and will outgas for a long time. I have no idea what the primer will do, I would try to remove it somehow.
Jonathan Morag
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:49 pm
Real name: Jonathan Morag

Re: Working with a coated chamber

Post by Jonathan Morag »

Thanks.

I will clearly be in the high vacuum range before I add the Deuterium.
I might try to sand-blast it down then if I don't find another chamber.

Jonathan
User avatar
Andrew Robinson
Moderator
Posts: 688
Joined: Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:54 am
Real name: Andrew Robinson
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact:

Re: Working with a coated chamber

Post by Andrew Robinson »

You can send back to an anodizer to have it etched again which will completely remove the anodize (and it's generally not expensive either), but I think the damage is already done and will only get worse upon removal. Again, the process is called "etching". As Jerry already said, anodizing (first etching step) creates a porous surface, removes corrosion, etc in preparation for anodize. Not an ideal surface for vacuum.
I can wire anything directly into anything! I'm the professor!
Post Reply

Return to “Fusor Construction & Operation (& FAQs)”