Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous zinc-nickel alloy electroplating composition particularly useful in an electroplating method for depositing a zinc-nickel alloy layer on a substrate, wherein the deposited layer exhibits uniform nickel concentration and good aesthetics across a broad range of current densities. The electroplating composition comprises an electrolyte composition and an organic composition. In one embodiment, the electrolyte composition comprises a zinc ion source, a nickel ion source, a pH buffering agent and at least one additional salt, and the organic composition comprises a Class I nickel brightener, a Class II nickel brightener, an aromatic carboxylic acid, an aldehyde or ketone compound, and a non-ionic or anionic surfactant. The electroplating composition is particularly free of chelators and free ammonium-producing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high protection, trivalent chromium coating composition that is particularly useful as a conversion coating on substrates in need of corrosion protection. The conversion coating composition comprises chromium (III) ions, cobalt (II) ions, nitrate ions, and sulfate ions. The invention further provides methods of applying a conversion coating to a plated article and articles with a conversion coating applied thereto.