Abstract: Many prior art processes for cleaning predominantly organic hard surfaces have been found to be considerably less effective in removing very fine particles on such surfaces than are the best cleaners for metallic surfaces. However, it has been found, and forms the basis of this invention, that fine particles can be removed effectively from organic surfaces by an indirect process of first forming a thin solid coating over the surface and then removing the solid coating, into which the fine particles that formerly contaminated the surface to be cleaned have presumably become incorporated. Substantially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) has been found particularly useful for forming the thin solid coating when this coating is to be removed by treatment with an acidic aqueous solution; acrylate polymers are preferred if the solid coating is to be removed by an alkaline aqueous solution.

Abstract: In a process for the chemical pretreatment before painting of composite metal structures that contain aluminum or aluminum alloy portions together with steel, galvanized steel and/or alloy-galvanized steel portions, in a first step the metal structure is treated with a zinc phosphating solution that forms a surface-covering crystalline zinc phosphate layer on steel and on galvanized or alloy-galvanized steel, but without forming a zinc phosphate layer on the aluminum portions, and then in a second step the metal structure is brought into contact with a treatment solution that does not excessively dissolve the crystalline zinc phosphate layer on steel, galvanized and/or alloy-galvanized steel, but forms a conversion layer on the aluminum portions.

Abstract: Many prior art processes for cleaning predominantly organic hard surfaces have been found to be considerably less effective in removing very fine particles on such surfaces than are the best cleaners for metallic surfaces. However, it has been found, and forms the basis of this invention, that fine particles can be removed effectively from organic surfaces by an indirect process of first forming a thin solid coating over the surface and then removing the solid coating, into which the fine particles that formerly contaminated the surface to be cleaned have presumably become incorporated. Substantially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) has been found particularly useful for forming the thin solid coating when this coating is to be removed by treatment with an acidic aqueous solution; acrylate polymers are preferred if the solid coating is to be removed by an alkaline aqueous solution.

Abstract: Concentrates containing (a) an hydroxylamine sulfate accelerator, and (b) zinc, nickel, manganese, and phosphate ions are formulated into aqueous coating solutions for treating metal surfaces, such as ferrous, zinc, and aluminum surfaces. In the process of using this solution, hydroxylamine ions become depleted or reduced in concentration in the applied solution. A replenishing solution is added for reusing the solution until the replenished coating solution reaches a sulfate level of no more than 14 g/l.

Abstract: Concentrates containing (a) an hydroxylamine sulfate accelerator, and (b) zinc, nickel, manganese, and phosphate ions are formulated into aqueous coating solutions for treating metal surfaces, such as ferrous, zinc, and aluminum surfaces. In the process of using this solution, hydroxylamine ions become depleted or reduced in concentration in the applied solution. A replenishing solution is added for reusing the solution until the replenished coating solution reaches a sulfate level of no more than 14 g/l.

Abstract: A "highlighter" liquid for detecting cosmetic defects in non-metallic surfaces, particularly those intended for high quality automotive finishes comprises organic substances each molecule of which contains at least one continuosly chemically bonded chain or ring of atoms in which there are at least two carbon atoms and at least two oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus heteroatoms, the carbon atoms and heteroatoms being arranged in such an order along the chain or ring that (i) each heteroatom is bonded to at least one carbon atom and (ii) the chain does not include more than three consecutive continuosly chemically bonded carbon atoms. Particularly suitable materials include glycerin, propylene glycol, low molecular weight glycol condensation polymers, and monoethers of these glycol condensation polymers. Water is also usually present in the highlighter liquid, which has a long open time and does not damage the substrate even if left in place for a day or more.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional Jernstedt salt dispersion for activating metal surfaces to improve the quality of subsequently deposited phosphate conversion coatings on the activated metal surface is stabilized against deterioration in storage for at least six months by utilizing in the dispersion a mixture of sodium and potassium salts, preferably condensed phosphate salts, in such amounts that the ratio of potassium to titanium is within the range from 8.0:1.0 to 40:1.0 and the ratio of potassium to sodium is within the range from 0.9:1.0 to about 2.5:1.0.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid composition containing polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight in the range of about 200 to about 8000, nonionic surfactant, and a corrosion inhibitor, and optionally, amphoteric surfactants and fluorinated surfactants is useful as a highlighting liquid for detection of surface irregularities on shaped metal surfaces and for preventing adhesion of weld splatter on surfaces coated with the composition. Preferably the corrosion inhibitor includes alkali metal salts of boric acid and of a mixture of branched chain carboxylic acids and amino acids.

Abstract: A composition for treatment and after treatment of surfaces, especially metals, with derivatives of polyphenol compounds is provided. The derivatives include substituted aminomethyl groups on at least some of the phenyl rings in the polyphenol polymers, with molecular weights within the range of about 700 to about 70,000 being preferred. The compositions are particularly useful for treating chromated aluminum surfaces prior to painting, to improve corrosion resistance, and when combined with surfactants, for treating plastic and painted surfaces to improve rinsability without water breaks.

Abstract: Zinc phosphate coatings for metal surfaces and phosphating process. Concentrates containing (a) hydroxylamine sulfate and (b) zinc, nickel, manganese and phosphate ions are formulated into aqueous coating solutions for treating metal surfaces, including ferrous, zinc and aluminum surfaces.

Abstract: Metal surfaces are effectively cleaned of grease and oil using an aqueous composition containing surfactant, alkalinizing agent, metal corrosion inhibitor, brightening agent and relatively high levels of glycol ether.