Abstract: The oil splitting properties of otherwise conventional alkaline cleaning solutions that comprise water, an alkaline builder, and a general surfactant component are substantially improved by adding a special, nonionic, surfactant component that has an HLB value in the range from 1 to 7.9 and is made up of molecules that contain at least two nitrogen atoms per molecule and have a chemical structure that can be made by sequential additions of ethylene oxide followed by propylene oxide, or of propylene oxide followed by ethylene oxide, to core molecules that are most preferably 1,2-diaminoethane but more generally may be any organic amine that contains at least two primary and/or secondary amino groups and contains not more than 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for forming a chromium/silica/phosphate protective conversion coating on a metal surface is improved by pretreating the surface with a composition comprising at least one of (i) H.sub.2 TiF.sub.6, (ii) H.sub.2 SiF.sub.6, and (iii) a derivative of poly{alkenylphenol} before applying the conversion coating. The process of the invention results in a protective base coating having superior adhesion to paint at a relatively high coating weight which is desirable for improved corrosion resistance. This process is especially useful in forming such protective conversion coatings on continuous cast aluminum surfaces.

Abstract: Described is a low temperature low foaming alkaline cleaner composition comprising:(a) an alkaline portion containing at least 75% by weight (PBW) of alkaline materials selected from the group consisting of alkali or alkaline earth metal borate, silicate, carbonate, hydroxide, phosphate and mixtures thereof;(b) an ethoxylated alkyl phenol in an amount from about 0.1 to about 15 PBW; and(c) an ethoxylated and propoxylated alkyl phenol in an amount from about 1 to about 15 PBW;wherein the sum of (a), (b) and (c) equals 100 PBW.The compositions are useful as low temperature low foaming cleaners in solid or liquid form. A variety of oils and soaps may be removed from soiled substrates. Cleaning temperatures in the range of 60.degree. F. and above are obtainable.