Abstract: Improved compositions and processes for zincating magnesium and magnesium alloy substrates. An aqueous zincating composition having a pH of from about 8 to about 11 and including zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a reducing agent. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including immersing the substrate in the non-electrolytic aqueous zincating composition for a time sufficient to deposit a zincate on the substrate. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including preparing a aqueous non-electrolytic composition comprising zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a pH in the range from about 8 to about 11; adding to the composition an amount of a reducing agent sufficient to improve deposition of zincate on the magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate; and immersing the substrate in a composition for a time sufficient to deposit the zincate on the substrate.

Abstract: A process for passivating a vapor-deposited aluminum layer on a substrate, including providing a substrate comprising vapor deposited aluminum on a surface thereof; treating the surface of the substrate with an aqueous substantially chromium-free composition comprising a hexafluorozirconate; and rinsing the treated surface with water. A process for passivating a vapor-deposited aluminum layer on a substrate, including vapor depositing a layer of aluminum on a substrate; treating the substrate with the vapor deposited aluminum with an aqueous substantially chromium-free composition comprising a hexafluorozirconate; and rinsing the treated substrate with water.

Abstract: Improved compositions and processes for zincating magnesium and magnesium alloy substrates. An aqueous zincating composition having a pH of from about 8 to about 11 and including zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a reducing agent. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including immersing the substrate in the non-electrolytic aqueous zincating composition for a time sufficient to deposit a zincate on the substrate. A non-electrolytic process for zincating a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate, including preparing a aqueous non-electrolytic composition comprising zinc ions, a complexing agent, fluoride ions and a pH in the range from about 8 to about 11; adding to the composition an amount of a reducing agent sufficient to improve deposition of zincate on the magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate; and immersing the substrate in a composition for a time sufficient to deposit the zincate on the substrate.