Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for producing improved electrical insulation, environmental protection, corrosion resistance and improved paint adhesion for metals; e.g., ferrous, aluminum, or magnesium alloys; as well as other substrates such as anodized metals, glasses, paints, plastics, semiconductors, microprocessors, ceramics, cements, silicon wafers, electronic components, skin, hair, and wood upon contact. The compositions and processes comprise use of one or more Group IV-A metals, such as zirconium, in combination with one or more non-fluoanions while fluorides are specifically excluded from the processes and compositions above certain levels. The processes can contain pretreatment stages that serve to activate a substrate surface and/or promote formation of metal- and mixed-metal oxide matrices through use of an oxygen donor. The compositions are at a pH below about 5.0 and are preferably in a range between about 1.0 and about 4.0.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for producing improved environmental protection, corrosion resistance and improved paint adhesion for metals e.g., ferrous, aluminum, or magnesium alloys, as well as other substrates upon contact. The compositions and processes comprise use of one or more Group IV-A metals, such as zirconium, in combination with one or more Group III-A metals, such as cerium, in an acidic solution with one or more oxyanions or other non-fluoanions to stabilize and solubilize the metals while fluorides are specifically excluded from the processes and compositions above certain levels. The processes can contain pretreatment stages that serve to activate a substrate surface and/or promote formation of mixed-metal oxide matrices through use of an oxygen donor. The compositions are at a pH below about 7.0 and are preferably in a range between about 1.0 and about 4.0.

Abstract: Processes for producing improved environmental protection, corrosion resistance and improved paint adhesion for metals; e.g., ferrous, aluminum, or magnesium alloys; and other surfaces upon contact is disclosed. The processes comprise use of one or more Group IV-A metals such as zirconium in an acidic solution with one or more oxyanions or other non-fluoanions to stabilize and solubilize the metal while fluorides are specifically excluded from the processes and compositions. The processes optionally contain pretreatment stages that serve to activate a surface and/or promote formation of a Group IV-A metal oxide matrices through use of an oxygen donor. The compositions are at a pH below about 5.0 and is preferably in a range between about 1.0 and about 4.0. The coatings may contain surfactants, sequestering agents, or organic additives for improved corrosion protection and paint adhesion. The substrate may be treated by immersion, spray, fogging or rollcoat.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic composition for providing improved corrosion resistance and improved paint adhesive to metals; e.g., ferrous, aluminum, or magnesium alloys; upon contact. The composition comprises a Group IV-A metal such as zirconium in an acidic solution with one or more oxyanions to stabilize and solubilize the metal while fluorides and organic solvents are specifically excluded from the composition. The coating is at a pH below about 5.0 and is preferably in a range between about 1.0 and about 4.0. The coating may contain surfactants, sequestering agents, or organic additives for improved corrosion protection and paint adhesion. The substrate may be treated by immersion, spray, fogging or rollcoat.

Abstract: A chromium-free conversion coating for aluminum finstock includes zirconium, fluoride and potassium ions. The coating is preferably at a pH below about 2.0, and may optionally include polyphosphates, tannin, boron and zinc. A sequestering agent to complex dissolved iron, and a crystal deformation agent such as ATMP are also preferably included.

Abstract: A conversion coating for aluminum, ferrous and magnesium alloyed materials includes zirconium, fluoride and calcium ions. The coating is preferably at a pH of between about 2.6 and about 3.1, and may optionally include phosphates, polyphosphates, tannin, boron, zinc and aluminum. A sequestering agent to complex dissolved iron, and a crystal deformation agent such as ATMP are also preferably included.