News & Events
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There is often a lot of confusion around these terms and for good reason because by themselves they do not alone define a coating or process. Decades ago they were synonymous with yellow, hexavalent chromate conversion coating of aluminum as MacDermid’s Iridite® 14-2 and Henkel’s Alodine® 1200 products were the leading products used to apply the coating. These yellow chromate conversion coatings, also known as chemical film, provide corrosion protection and act as an adhesion promoter for paint…
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Electro-chemical oxidation of aluminum in a sulfuric acid electrolyte results in a thin, porous layer of aluminum oxide. Those pores are a perfect receptor for organic dyestuffs; the same dyestuffs used to color printing ink, plastics and textiles. Nearly any color can be incorporated into a properly anodized layer with the exception of white. One of the limitations of organic dyes is that they can begin to fade when exposed to light, temperature and/or certain chemicals. The ability to resis…
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When Did Chromate Become Passivate?
Chromating is the chemical conversion of an active metal surface into a protective metallic chromate compound. Chromates connote the use of hexavalent chrome substances which have come under increasing scrutiny for various environmental, health and safety reasons. Global regulations including REACH, RoHS, and WEEE have limited or outright outlawed the use of hexavalent chromium. Alternative conversion coatings based on trivalent chrome, permanganate, molybdate or vanadate compounds have becom…
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Phosphate is a type of conversion coating used to produce a heavily crystalline structure on steel parts. This coating provides improved resistance to wear and when coupled with a Chromic Dip and Oiling process will also improve the corrosion protection of the parts. Like other conversion coatings this is a chemical process and is a good pretreatment for paint. Both coatings, as supplied by Anoplate, have a dark grey appearance prior to any oiling. What Specification is most commonly used? Whi…
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Chem film or more appropriately chemical film is a term describing a chemical conversion coating most often associated with applying chromates to aluminum. The most widely known trade names for this process are Henkel’s Alodine® and MacDermid Enthone’s Iridite®. They are a category of sealants designed to adhere to the surface of metal components to provide a protective layer against corrosion. Chem Film Has Many Benefits In addition to enhanced corrosion protection, there are many practical…
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