Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for coating a substrate comprising: (a) applying a caustic cleaner onto at least a portion of the substrate; (b) rinsing at least a portion of the substrate that was subjected to step (a) with water; (c) applying an acid cleaner onto at least a portion of the caustically cleaned substrate; (d) rinsing at least a portion of the substrate that was subjected to step (c) with water; and (e) applying a conversion coating comprising zirconium onto at least a portion of the acid cleaned substrate; and wherein at least one of the materials used in steps (c) and (e) is substantially chrome free. The present invention is also directed to a substrate, such as an aluminum substrate, that has been coated using the aforementioned method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for coating a metal substrate with a yttrium-containing coating, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. Also disclosed are coated substrates produced thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for passivating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods comprise the steps of depositing an electropositive metal onto at least a portion of the substrate, followed immediately by electrophoretically depositing on the substrate a curable, electrodepositable coating composition. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced by the above methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include depositing an electropositive metal onto at least a portion of the substrate, and then contacting the substrate with a pretreatment composition that is substantially free of crystalline phosphates and chromates. The present invention also relates to coated substrates produced thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include contacting the substrate with a pretreatment composition that includes: (a) a group IIIB and/or IVB metal; (b) free fluorine; (c) a metal fluoride salt formed from a metal which forms a fluoride salt having a pKsp of at least 11; and (d) water.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for coating a metal substrate with a yttrium-containing coating, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. Also disclosed are coated substrates produced thereby.

Abstract: The composition of a non-chrome post-rinse composition for treating phosphated metal substrates is disclosed. The composition comprises the reaction product of an epoxy-functional material containing at least two epoxy groups; and an alkanolamine, or a mixture of alkanolamines. The composition further comprises a group IV-B metal ion, or a mixture of group IV-B metal ions. Also provided is a non-chrome post-rinse concentrate; a process for treating a phosphated metal substrate comprising contacting said phosphated metal substrate with the non-chrome post-rinse composition described above; and the coated article prepared by this process.

Abstract: The composition of a non-chrome post-rinse composition for treating phosphated metal substrates is disclosed. The composition comprises the reaction product of an epoxy-functional material containing at least two epoxy groups; and an alkanolamine, or a mixture of alkanolamines. The composition further comprises a group IV-B metal ion, or a mixture of group IV-B metal ions. Also provided is a non-chrome post-rinse concentrate; a process for treating a phosphated metal substrate comprising contacting said phosphated metal substrate with the non-chrome post-rinse composition described above; and the coated article prepared by this process.

Abstract: This application relates to a water-based passivating composition comprising:(a) an amino compound which is selected from the group consisting of an amino acid and salts thereof and an amino alcohol and salt thereof, and(b) a metal compound selected from a group IIIB transition metal compound, a group IVB transition metal compound and a rare earth metal compound.

Abstract: The invention is a metal treating process which uses a chrome-free deoxidizing bath. The process is useful for cleaning and deoxidizing aluminum substrates followed by conversion coating of the cleaned and deoxidized substrates.

Abstract: The life of chromium phosphate coating baths is extended by at least fully restoring depleted Cr.sup.VI ; bath efficiencies are significantly improved.