Ang pag anod ay isang proseso ng electrochemical na nag convert ng ibabaw ng metal sa isang pandekorasyon, matibay, kaagnasian-resistant, anodic oxide tapusin. Ang aluminyo ay mainam na angkop sa pag anod, bagaman iba pang mga nonferrous metal, tulad ng magnesium at titanium, pwede din ma anodized.
The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so it cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing.
Anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank; the aluminum acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminum atoms at the surface of the part being anodized. Anodizing is, samakatuwid, a matter of highly controlled oxidation - the enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.