From Wikipedea; Anodizing
"Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to
increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of
metal parts. The process is called "anodizing" because the part to
be treated forms the anode electrode of an electrical circuit.
Anodizing increases corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and
provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than bare
metal".