Introducing AluGuard® - A permanent protective seal

During high-rise construction, cement and concrete runoff can cause etching and damage to aluminum surfaces. Traditional sealing methods offer limited protection against high-pH contaminants, leading to surface degradation.
AluGuard®’s advanced sealing technology enhances alkaline and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability. Certified under BS3987 and QUALANOD, it sets a new standard in anodized aluminum protection.

Limitations of traditional sealing methods

Standard anodizing processes involve either cold sealing or hot sealing to close the pores of the anodized layer, reducing susceptibility to environmental damage. However, each of these approaches has intrinsic limitations:

Cold sealing: Typically employs a compounds to partially close pores before a final hydration seal. While energy-efficient, these solutions pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity.

Hot sealing: Immersing anodized aluminum in near-boiling water initiates a hydration reaction, forming boehmite crystals (AlO(OH)) that reinforce the anodic layer. Although effective in general conditions, hot-sealed surfaces remain vulnerable to high-pH contamination, such as exposure to concrete residues and cementitious materials.
 

​​​​Given these limitations, a more advanced sealing approach is required to maintain the performance of anodized aluminum in architectural and industrial applications.

 

The AluGuard® sealing process

AluGuard® utilizes an advanced sealing mechanism, combining a pre-seal treatment with a hot sealing process to create a highly resistant protective barrier:

Pre-seal step

  • The anodized surface is treated with a solution designed to penetrate the pores and form a complex fluoride-based protective layer.
  • This step enhances corrosion resistance and strengthens the aluminum against alkaline attack.

 

Main seal – Hot sealing

  • The material undergoes hot water immersion, facilitating hydration of the anodic layer, which further enhances mechanical durability and chemical resistance.
  • The reaction can be summarized as: Al₂O₃ + 2 H₂O → 2 AlO(OH)​​​


 

Performance validation: Testing and compliance

To assess the effectiveness of AluGuard®, rigorous third-party testing was conducted in accordance with international standards.

1. Alkaline resistance test (VW TL 212)

  • The anodized surface was immersed in a pH 12.5 solution to simulate alkaline exposure from construction materials.
  • AluGuard® demonstrated excellent resistance, showing no significant material degradation, confirming its suitability for high-pH environments.

2. Corrosion resistance – Mass loss test (ISO 3210)

  • Samples were subjected to a controlled acid immersion test to evaluate sealing effectiveness.
  • AluGuard® exhibited lower mass loss compared to traditional sealing methods, validating its superior corrosion resistance.

3. Abrasion and UV-resistance testing (ISO 18771, ISO 2135)

  • The material was exposed to mechanical wear and ultraviolet radiation to assess long-term durability.
  • Results confirmed excellent performance, ensuring that AluGuard® maintains its structural and aesthetic integrity over time.

 

Applications and long-term benefits

Due to its enhanced resistance properties, AluGuard® is particularly suitable for high-exposure architectural applications, including:

Facade cladding

rotects facades from cement contamination, moisture exposure, and harsh weather conditions.

Window frames

Maintains visual and structural integrity over time, preventing surface degradation and corrosion.

Architectural components & accessories

Ensures long-lasting durability and reduces maintenance costs.
 

Conclusion

AluGuard® represents a significant advancement in anodizing technology, offering superior protection against alkaline contamination, corrosion, and environmental wear. Through its innovative advanced sealing process, rigorous performance validation, and compliance with industry standards, AluGuard® establishes itself as a highly effective and sustainable solution for anodized aluminum protection.

With its proven resistance to extreme pH levels and extended durability, AluGuard® provides architects and industry professionals with a reliable choice for enhancing the longevity and performance of anodized surfaces in construction and design.

📑 Certified under BS3987 and QUALANOD standards.
📊 Tested and validated for extreme conditions
🔬 Engineered for durability, backed by science

For more details on AluGuard® and its applications, contact us or download our AluGuard document.

Related news