Abstract: A universal aqueous composition and a process for using such a composition for pretreating metal substrates is provided. The aqueous composition includes a hydroxy functional cyclic compound, such as a tannin, in an amount of at least about 500 ppm, phosphate ions, an oxidizer-accelerator, and at least one Group IVB metal compound capable of converting to a metal oxide upon application to the metal substrate, such as a fluorozirconate or fluorotitanate. The composition may further contain fluoride ions and/or iron. The composition is particularly useful for corrosion resistance with a variety of metals such as iron, steel, zinc-coated surfaces, aluminum, and alloys thereof. A disaccharide may further be provided to prolong the useful life of the composition, particularly when used in spray applications.

Abstract: A universal aqueous composition and a process for using such a composition for pretreating metal substrates is provided. The aqueous composition includes a hydroxy functional cyclic compound, such as a tannin, in an amount of at least about 500 ppm, phosphate ions, an oxidizer-accelerator, and at least one Group IVB metal compound capable of converting to a metal oxide upon application to the metal substrate, such as a fluorozirconate or fluorotitanate. The composition may further contain fluoride ions and/or iron. The composition is particularly useful for corrosion resistance with a variety of metals such as iron, steel, zinc-coated surfaces, aluminum, and alloys thereof. A disaccharide may further be provided to prolong the useful life of the composition, particularly when used in spray applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for cleaning and applying a mobility enhancer to a metal container, preferably to an aluminum can, the process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the container with an aqueous acidic prewashing solution; (b) contacting the container with an aqueous acidic or alkaline cleaning solution; (c) rinsing the container with an aqueous acidic dispersion (d) rinsing the container with an aqueous acidic dispersion comprised of a mobility enhancing composition, the mobility enhancing composition comprising (i) at least one wax; and (ii) at least one surfactant, in an amount sufficient to decrease the coefficient of static friction on the outside surface of the container, and to provide a substantially water-break-free surface thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous composition for use in enhancing the mobility of an aluminum can that is transported along a conveyor or trackwork, said composition comprising water and a mobility enhancing amount of (A) the product made by the reaction of (A)(I) at least one carboxylic acid or acid-producing compound with (A)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, or at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal. This invention also relates to a process for cleaning an aluminum can wherein the foregoing mobility enhancer is applied to the exterior of an aluminum can during the wash stage, during a conditioning or conversion coating stage, or during one or more rinse stages. The aqueous compositions of the invention containing alkanolamide mobility enhancers also reduce the temperature at which washed cans can be dried.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the metal exposure rating of metal surfaces which subsequently are coated with a siccative coating which comprises contacting said metal surface with an aqueous composition comprising a polyethylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers, oxidized ethylene homopolymers, ethylene/acrylate copolymers, and terpolymers containing ethylene, acrylates, and esters. A process is also described for improving the mobility of formed metal surfaces and reducing the metal exposure rating of the surfaces which subsequently are coated with a siccative coating.

Abstract: A process is described for regenerating and recycling a contaminated solution recovered from an aluminum or tin washer process wherein the contaminated solution contains contaminants comprising inorganic soils, organic soils, or both as a result of the use of the solution in the washer process, which comprises(A) regenerating said solution by(A-1) extracting said contaminants from the solution in a manner which does not substantially reduce the amount of any chemicals present in the solutions prior to use; and(A-2) selectively replenishing chemicals as required; and(B) recycling the regenerated solution to the washer process. The process of the present invention significantly reduces the amount of waste water containing chemicals which must be discarded or treated in waste treatment facilities. The process also reduces the amount of process chemicals and water necessary for maintaining the washer processes used for aluminum and tin coil and container washer processes.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and a process are described for reducing the discoloration of aluminum surfaces treated with are aqueous alkaline cleaner compositions. The process comprises including in the aqueous cleaner composition, an effective amount of at least one heterocyclic compound. Enhanced mobility of the aluminum surfaces also can be obtained when the heterocyclic compound is a solid particulate compound which is mixed with an oil prior to addition to the aqueous alkaline cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the heterocyclic compounds are soluble pyrroles, imidazoles, pyrazoles, thiazoles or triazoles.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and a process are described for reducing the discoloration of aluminum surfaces treated with are aqueous alkaline cleaner compositions. The process comprises including in the aqueous cleaner composition, an effective amount of at least one heterocyclic compound. Enhanced mobility of the aluminum surfaces also can be obtained when the heterocyclic compound is a solid particulate compound which is mixed with an oil prior to addition to the aqueous alkaline cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the heterocyclic compounds are soluble pyrroles, imidazoles, pyrazoles, thiazoles or triazoles.