Systems and methods for processing metal substrates

Abstract

To disclose a first composition comprising a trivalent chromium cation and an aqueous carrier.SOLUTION: Also disclosed herein is a second composition comprising a permanganate anion and an aqueous carrier. Also disclosed herein is a system for treating a metal substrate comprising a first composition comprising a trivalent chromium cation and an aqueous carrier and optionally a second composition comprising a permanganate anion and an aqueous carrier. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a metal substrate comprising contacting at least a portion of the substrate surface with a first composition comprising a trivalent chromium cation and an aqueous carrier and optionally contacting at least a portion of the substrate surface with a second composition comprising a permanganate anion and an aqueous carrier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 623,735, filed January 30, 2018, entitled "Systems and Methods for Treating a Metal Substrate," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions, systems, and methods for treating substrates. The present invention also relates to substrates obtainable by treatment with the systems and methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Background of the Invention Oxidation and degradation of metals used in aerospace, commercial, and civilian industries are serious and costly problems. To prevent oxidation and degradation of metals used in these applications, inorganic protective coatings can be applied to metal surfaces. However, at least some of the coatings prepared using these compositions and methods can cause corrosion and / or pitting on the surface. Therefore, there is a need for conversion compositions and / or treatment systems that overcome some of the deficiencies, drawbacks, and undesirable parameters of known conversion coatings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Summary of the Invention Disclosed herein is a first composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and an aqueous carrier.

[0005] Also disclosed herein is a second composition comprising permanganate anion and an aqueous carrier.

[0006] Also disclosed herein is a system for treating a metal substrate comprising a first composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and an aqueous carrier, optionally a second composition comprising permanganate anions and an aqueous carrier, and optionally a cleaning composition comprising a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole.

[0007] Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a metal substrate, comprising contacting at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with a first composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and an aqueous carrier; optionally contacting at least a portion of the surface of the substrate with a second composition comprising permanganate anions and an aqueous carrier; and optionally contacting at least a portion of the surface of the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole.

[0008] Also disclosed are substrates processed according to the systems and methods of the present invention. The following is further disclosed in relation to the present invention. [1] 1. A system for processing a metal substrate, comprising: a conversion composition comprising permanganate anions; a sealing composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on a total weight of the sealing composition. [2] The system according to [1], wherein the permanganate anion is present in the conversion composition in an amount of 0.1 g / L to 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the conversion composition. [3] The system described in [1], wherein the conversion composition further contains at least one co-inhibitor comprising a rare earth metal cation present in the conversion composition in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition, and / or a Group III metal cation present in the conversion composition in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition. [4] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the sealing composition further comprises an anion suitable for forming a salt with the trivalent chromium cation. [5] The system of [1], wherein the sealing composition further comprises at least one co-inhibitor comprising at least one transition metal cation. [6] [5] The system of [5], wherein the transition metal cations include Group IVB metal cations present in the sealing composition in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 5 g / L based on the total weight of the sealing composition. [7] The system described in [1], further comprising a cleaning composition. [8] The cleaning composition comprises: hydroxide source; a phosphate source; and / or corrosion inhibitors containing metal cations and / or azoles; The system according to [7], comprising: [9] The system according to [7], wherein the cleaning composition has a pH of 7 to 13.

[10] The system according to [1], further comprising a deoxidizer.

[11] A method for processing a substrate with the system according to [1].

[12] A substrate obtainable by the system described in [1].

[13] The substrate is (a) exhibiting at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the surface of the substrate, compared to a substrate not treated with the conversion composition and the sealing composition, after exposure for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541; and / or (b) The substrate of

[12] , having fewer than 20 pits after being exposed for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[14] 1. A system for processing a metal substrate, comprising: a cleaning composition comprising: a hydroxide source; a phosphate source; and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole; a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations, the conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on a total weight of the conversion composition.

[15] 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the cleaning composition further comprises an additive comprising at least one of polyvinylpyrrolidone, allantoin, a surfactant, a thickener, a silane, and / or an alcohol.

[16]

[14] The system of

[14] , wherein the conversion composition further comprises at least one co-inhibitor comprising at least one transition metal cation.

[17]

[16] The system of

[16] , wherein the transition metal cations comprise Group IVB metal cations present in the conversion composition in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 5 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition.

[18]

[14] A method for processing a substrate with the system according to

[14] .

[19]

[14] A substrate obtainable by the system described in

[14] .

[20] The substrate is (a) exhibits at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the surface of the substrate, compared to a substrate not treated with the conversion composition, after exposure for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541; and / or (b) The substrate of

[19] , having fewer than 20 pits after being exposed for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] Brief description of the drawings [Figure 1]1(A)-1(C) show grayscale images of panels treated with a system of the present invention compared to a hexavalent chromium-containing composition (Example 2): (A) an aluminum 2024-T3 substrate treated with a chromium-containing conversion composition of the present invention; (B) an aluminum 2024-T3 substrate treated with a system of the present invention including a permanganate-containing conversion composition followed by a chromium-containing sealing composition; and (C) an aluminum 2024-T3 substrate treated with a hexavalent chromium-containing composition.

[0010] [Figure 2] 2(A)-2(C) are schematic illustrations of gold staining overlaid on the panel treated in the same manner as in Example 2 and shown in FIGS. 1(A)-1(C). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Detailed Description of the Invention For purposes of the following detailed description, it should be understood that the invention may assume various alternative modifications and process sequences unless expressly stated to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing values, amounts, percentages, ranges, subranges, and fractions may be read as if preceded by the word "about," even if that term is not expressly stated. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Where closed-ended or open-ended numerical ranges are set forth herein, all numbers, values, amounts, percentages, subranges, and fractions within or encompassed by the numerical ranges are to be considered to be specifically included in and belong to the original disclosure of this application, as if those numbers, values, amounts, percentages, subranges, and fractions were expressly written out in their entirety.

[0012] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0013] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, plural terms can encompass their singular counterparts, and vice versa, unless otherwise indicated. For example, although this specification refers to "one" cleaning composition, "one" converting composition, and "one" sealing composition, combinations (i.e., multiples) of these compositions can be used. Additionally, in this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless specifically stated otherwise, even though "and / or" may be explicitly used in certain cases.

[0014] As used herein, "including," "containing," and similar terms are understood to be synonymous with "comprising" in the context of this application and, therefore, are open-ended and do not exclude the presence of additional unrecited and / or unenumerated elements, materials, components, and / or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of" is understood in the context of this application to exclude the presence of any unspecified elements, components, and / or method steps. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" is understood in the context of this application to include the specified elements, materials, components, and / or method steps "and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of what is being described."

[0015] As used herein, the terms "on," "upon," "applied on," "coated on," "formed on," "deposited on," and "disposed on" mean formed, superimposed, deposited, and / or provided on a surface, but not necessarily in contact with the surface. For example, a coating layer "formed" on a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other intervening coating layers of the same or different composition located between the formed coating layer and the substrate.

[0016] Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the term "substantially free," when used in reference to the absence of a particular material, means that such material, when present in the composition, in a bath containing the composition, and / or in a layer formed from and comprising the composition, is present only in trace amounts of 5 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the composition or layer, as the case may be, excluding any amounts of such material that may be present or derived as a result of dissolution of the drag-in, substrate, and / or device. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the term "essentially free," when used in reference to the absence of a particular material, means that such material, when present in the composition, in a bath containing the composition, and / or in a layer formed from and comprising the composition, is present only in trace amounts of 1 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the composition or layer, as the case may be. Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the term "completely free," when used in reference to the absence of a particular material, means that such material, if present in the composition, in a bath containing the composition, and / or in a layer formed from and comprising the composition, is absent from the composition, in a bath containing the composition, and / or in a layer formed from and comprising the composition (i.e., the composition, bath containing the composition, and / or layer formed from and comprising the composition contains 0 ppm of such material).

[0017] As used herein, "salt" refers to an ionic compound composed of a metal cation and a non-metal anion, with an overall charge of zero. Salts may be hydrated or anhydrous.

[0018] As used herein, "aqueous composition" refers to a solution or dispersion in a medium that primarily contains water. For example, the aqueous medium may contain more than 50% by weight, or more than 70% by weight, or more than 80% by weight, or more than 90% by weight, or more than 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the medium. The aqueous medium may, for example, consist essentially of water.

[0019] As used herein, "converting composition" refers to a composition that is capable of reacting with a substrate surface, chemically altering the substrate surface, and bonding thereto to form a film that provides corrosion protection.

[0020] As used herein, "sealing composition" refers to a composition, e.g., a solution or dispersion, that affects a substrate surface or a material deposited on the substrate surface in a manner that changes the physical and / or chemical properties of the substrate surface (i.e., the composition provides corrosion protection).

[0021] As used herein, the term "permanganate anion" refers to the manganate(VII) ion (MnO4).

[0022] As used herein, the term "permanganate compound" refers to a compound that contains the permanganate anion.

[0023] As used herein, the term "transition metal" refers to any element selected from the group consisting of elements of the lanthanide series and elements 89-103, as defined in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition of the CAS Periodic Table, the elements are in groups IIIB-VIIIB, IB, and IIB, which correspond to groups 3-12 in the actual IUPAC numbering system.

[0024] As used herein, the term "transition metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element that is a transition metal of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0025] As used herein, the term "Group IA metal" refers to the group of metals described, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in Group IA of the CAS Periodic Table, which corresponds to Group 1 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0026] As used herein, the term "Group IA metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element from Group IA of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0027] As used herein, the term "Group IIA metal" refers to any metal of Group IIA as defined, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in Group IA of the CAS Periodic Table, which corresponds to Group 2 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0028] As used herein, the term "Group IIA metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element found in Group IIA of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0029] As used herein, the term "Group IIIB metal" refers to the group IIIB metals as defined, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, "Group IIIB metals" refers to yttrium and scandium in the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements, which corresponds to Group 3 in the actual IUPAC numbering. For clarity, "Group IIIB metals" explicitly excludes the lanthanide elements.

[0030] As used herein, the term "Group IIIB metal compound" refers to a compound that contains at least one element in Group IIIB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements, as defined above.

[0031] As used herein, the term "Group IVB metal" refers to any of the metals of Group IVB described, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in group IVB of the CAS periodic table, which corresponds to group 4 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0032] As used herein, the term "Group IVB metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element from Group IVB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0033] As used herein, the term "Group VB metal" refers to any of the metals described, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in group VB of the CAS periodic table, which corresponds to group 5 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0034] As used herein, the term "Group VB metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element found in Group VB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0035] As used herein, the term "Group VIB metal" refers to the group VIB metals as defined, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in group VIB of the CAS periodic table, which corresponds to group 6 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0036] As used herein, the term "Group VIB metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element from Group VIB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0037] As used herein, the term "Group VIIB metal" refers to the group of metals described, for example, in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 63 rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in group VIIB of the CAS periodic table, which corresponds to group 7 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0038] As used herein, the term "Group VIIB metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element found in Group VIIB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0039] As used herein, the term "Group IIB metal" refers to a metal selected from the group consisting of aryl, aryl- ... rd As shown in the 1983 edition, it refers to the elements in group IIB of the CAS periodic table, which corresponds to group 12 in the actual IUPAC numbering.

[0040] As used herein, the term "Group IIB metal compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one element from Group IIB of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0041] As used herein, the term "lanthanide series elements" refers to elements 57-71 of the CAS Periodic Table of the Elements, including elemental versions of the lanthanide series elements. In accordance with the present invention, the lanthanide series elements may have both +3 and +4 common oxidation states, hereinafter referred to as the +3 / +4 oxidation states.

[0042] As used herein, the term "lanthanide compound" refers to a compound that includes at least one of elements 57-71 of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0043] As used herein, the term "halogen" refers to any of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements, which correspond to Group VIIA of the CAS version of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

[0044] As used herein, the term "halide" refers to a compound that contains at least one halogen.

[0045] As used herein, the term "aluminum," when used in reference to a substrate, refers to substrates made from or including aluminum and / or aluminum alloys, as well as clad aluminum substrates.

[0046] Pitting corrosion is the localized formation of corrosion that results in cavities or holes in the substrate. As used herein, the term "pit" refers to such cavities or holes resulting from pitting corrosion and is characterized by (1) a round, elongated, or irregular appearance when viewed perpendicular to the test panel surface; (2) a "comet tail," line, or "halo" (i.e., surface discoloration) emanating from the pitting cavity; and (3) the presence of corrosion by-products (e.g., white, gray, or black granular, powdery, or amorphous material) within or immediately surrounding the pit. Observed surface cavities or holes must exhibit at least two of the above characteristics to be considered corrosion pits. Surface cavities or holes exhibiting only one of these characteristics may require additional analysis before being classified as corrosion pits. Visual inspection using a microscope with 10x magnification is used to determine the presence or absence of corrosion by-products when they are not visible to the naked eye.

[0047] Unless otherwise disclosed herein, as used herein, the term "total composition weight," "total composition weight," or similar terms refers to the total weight of all components present in the respective composition, including any carriers and solvents.

[0048] The present invention is directed to compositions for treating metal substrates. The first composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a compound containing trivalent chromium cations and an aqueous carrier. The second composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a compound containing permanganate anions and an aqueous carrier. The present invention is also directed to systems for treating metal substrates. The systems may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a first composition. Optionally, the systems may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a second composition. Optionally, the systems may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a cleaning composition. The present invention is also directed to methods for treating metal substrates. The methods may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of contacting at least a portion of a substrate surface with a first composition. Optionally, the methods may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of contacting at least a portion of a substrate surface with a second composition. Optionally, the method may further include, or may consist essentially of, or may consist of, contacting at least a portion of the substrate surface with a cleaning composition. Contact with the first composition may precede or follow contact with the second composition. As described more fully herein, in some cases, there may be a rinsing step between contact with the first composition and the second composition, and / or contact with the cleaning composition and the first composition and / or the second composition. Each of the first and second compositions may be a sealing composition or a converting composition, as defined herein.

[0049] Suitable substrates that can be used in the present invention include metal substrates, metal alloy substrates, and / or metallized substrates such as nickel-plated plastic. The metal or metal alloy can include or be steel, aluminum, zinc, nickel, and / or magnesium. For example, the steel substrate can be cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel, electrogalvanized steel, and / or hot-dip galvanized steel. Aluminum alloys and clad aluminum alloys of the 1XXX, 2XXX, 3XXX, 4XXX, 5XXX, 6XXX, or 7XXX series can also be used as substrates. The aluminum alloy can contain 0.01% to 10% copper by weight. The aluminum alloys to be processed can also include cast aluminum alloys such as 1XX.X, 2XX.X, 3XX.X, 4XX.X, 5XX.X, 6XX.X, 7XX.X, 8XX.X, or 9XX.X (e.g., A356.0). Magnesium alloys of the AZ31B, AZ91C, AM60B, or EV31A series can also be used as substrates. Substrates used in the present invention may also include titanium and / or titanium alloys, zinc and / or zinc alloys, and / or nickel and / or nickel alloys. Substrates may also include assemblies or multi-metal substrates. Substrates may include portions of a vehicle, such as a vehicle body (e.g., but not limited to, doors, body panels, trunk deck lids, roof panels, hoods, roofs, and / or stringers, rivets, landing gear components, and / or skins used on aircraft) and / or a vehicle frame. As used herein, "vehicle" or variations thereof includes, but is not limited to, civilian, commercial, and military aircraft, and / or land vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and / or trucks.

[0050] As described above, the first composition of the present invention may include a trivalent chromium compound. The trivalent chromium compound may include a trivalent chromium cation. The trivalent chromium compound may further include an anion that may be suitable for forming a salt with the trivalent chromium cation, including, for example, sulfate, nitrate, acetate, carbonate, hydroxide, or a combination thereof. Suitable examples of salts of the trivalent chromium cation include, but are not limited to, basic chromium sulfate, potassium chromium(III) sulfate, chromium(III) sulfate hydrate, or a combination thereof. The salts of the trivalent chromium cation may be present in the first composition in their hydrated form.

[0051] The trivalent chromium cation of the trivalent chromium compound may be present in the first composition in an amount of at least 0.005 g / L, e.g., at least 0.01 g / L, e.g., at least 0.5 g / L, and in some cases, in an amount of 2 g / L or less, e.g., 1.5 g / L or less, e.g., 1 g / L or less, based on the total weight of the first composition. The trivalent chromium cation of the trivalent chromium compound may be present in the first composition in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L, e.g., 0.01 g / L to 1.5 g / L, e.g., 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the first composition.

[0052] The anion suitable for forming a salt with the trivalent chromium cation may be present in the first composition in an amount of at least 0.01 g / L, such as at least 0.5 g / L, for example at least 1 g / L, and in some cases in an amount of 4 g / L or less, such as 3.5 g / L or less, for example 2 g / L or less, based on the total weight of the first composition. The anion suitable for forming a salt with the trivalent chromium cation may be present in the first composition in an amount of 0.01 g / L to 4 g / L, for example 0.5 g / L to 3.5 g / L, for example 1 g / L to 2 g / L, based on the total weight of the first composition.

[0053] Optionally, the first composition may also include a metal compound containing a metal cation, such as, for example, a Group I metal cation salt. In such cases, the anion forming the compound with the Group I cation may include, for example, halogens, nitrates, sulfates, acetates, phosphates, silicates (orthosilicates and metasilicates), carbonates, hydroxides, etc. Optionally, the first composition may also include at least one co-inhibitor. In examples, the co-inhibitor may include a Group IIA metal cation, a transition metal cation, a lanthanide-based cation, an azole, or a combination thereof. The lanthanide-based cations can include, for example, cerium, praseodymium, terbium, or combinations thereof; the Group IIA metal cations can include, for example, yttrium, scandium, or combinations thereof; the Group IVB metal cations can include, for example, zirconium, titanium, halfnium, or combinations thereof; the Group VB metal cations can include, for example, vanadium; the Group VIB metal cations can include, for example, molybdenum; the Group VIIB metal cations can include, for example, manganese; and / or the Group IIB metal cations can include, for example, zinc. Optionally, the first composition can be substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of Group IIB metal cations.

[0054] The first composition may further comprise anions that may be suitable for forming salts with the metal cations of the co-inhibitors of the first composition, such as halogens, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, silicates (orthosilicates and metasilicates), carbonates, acetates, hydroxides, fluorides, etc. Thus, the first composition may contain sulfur-containing co-inhibitors, phosphorus-containing co-inhibitors, fluorine-containing co-inhibitors, etc.

[0055] The co-inhibitor cation may be present in the first composition in an amount of at least 0.05 g / L, such as at least 0.07 g / L, for example at least 0.5 g / L, and in some cases in an amount of 5 g / L or less, such as 4 g / L or less, for example 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the first composition. The co-inhibitor cation may be present in the first composition in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 5 g / L, for example 0.07 g / L to 4 g / L, for example 0.5 g / L to 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the first composition.

[0056] The pH of the first composition may, in some cases, be less than 7, e.g., less than 5, e.g., between 1.5 and 6.9, e.g., between 2.0 and 6.0, e.g., between 2.5 and 4.5, e.g., between 2.8 and 4.5. The pH of the first composition may be greater than 7, e.g., greater than 9, e.g., greater than 11, e.g., between 7.1 and 13, e.g., between 7.5 and 11, e.g., between 8 and 10. Whether the first composition is acidic or basic, the pH may be adjusted, for example, using any acid and / or base as needed. Thus, the pH of the first composition may be maintained through the inclusion of an acidic material, including water-soluble and / or water-dispersible acids, such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and / or phosphoric acid. Additionally, the pH of the composition may be maintained through the inclusion of a basic material, including water-soluble and / or water-dispersible bases, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and / or amines, such as triethylamine, methylethylamine, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] As described above, the present invention may include a second composition containing a permanganate compound. The permanganate compound may include a permanganate anion. The permanganate compound of the second composition may further include a cation suitable for forming a salt with the permanganate anion, including, for example, a Group IA metal cation such as sodium or potassium, a Group IIA metal cation such as calcium, a Group XIB metal cation such as silver, ammonium (NH4+), or a combination thereof. Suitable examples of salts of permanganate anion include, but are not limited to, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sodium permanganate (NaMnO4), ammonium permanganate (NH4MnO4), calcium permanganate, silver permanganate, or a combination thereof. The salts of permanganate anion may exist in their hydrated forms.

[0058] The permanganate anion of the permanganate compound may be present in the second composition in an amount of at least 0.1 g / L, such as at least 0.2 g / L, for example at least 0.4 g / L, and in some cases in an amount of 1 g / L or less, such as 0.7 g / L, for example 0.6 g / L or less, based on the total weight of the second composition. The permanganate anion of the permanganate compound may be present in the second composition in an amount of 0.1 g / L to 1 g / L, for example 0.2 g / L to 0.7 g / L, for example 0.4 g / L to 0.6 g / L, based on the total weight of the second composition.

[0059] Optionally, the second composition may further include at least one co-inhibitor. The co-inhibitor may include a metal compound containing a lanthanide-based cation, a Group IIIB metal cation, a Group IVB metal cation, or a combination thereof. The lanthanide-based cation may include, for example, cerium, praseodymium, terbium, or a combination thereof. The Group IIIB metal cation may include, for example, yttrium, scandium, or a combination thereof. The Group IVB metal cation may include, for example, zirconium, titanium, halfnium, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The metal compound of the second composition may further include anions that may be suitable for forming salts with the metal cation of the inhibitor of the second composition, such as halogens, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, silicates (orthosilicates and metasilicates), carbonates, acetates, hydroxides, halides, fluorides, etc.

[0061] The metal cations of such co-inhibitors may be present in the second composition in an amount of at least 0.001 g / L, e.g., at least 0.005 g / L, and in some cases in an amount of 0.01 g / L or less, e.g., 0.075 g / L or less, based on the total weight of the second composition. The metal cations of such co-inhibitors may be present in the second composition in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.01 g / L, e.g., 0.005 g / L to 0.075 g / L.

[0062] The pH of the second composition may, in some cases, be less than 7, e.g., less than 5, e.g., between 1.5 and 6.9, e.g., between 2.0 and 6.0, e.g., between 2.5 and 4.5. The pH of the second composition may be greater than 7, e.g., greater than 9, e.g., greater than 11, e.g., between 7.1 and 13, e.g., between 7.5 and 11, e.g., between 8 and 10. Whether the second composition is acidic or basic, the pH may be adjusted, for example, using any acid and / or base as needed. Thus, the pH of the second composition may be maintained through the inclusion of an acidic material, including water-soluble and / or water-dispersible acids, such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and / or phosphoric acid. Additionally, the pH of the second composition may be maintained through the inclusion of a basic material, including water-soluble and / or water-dispersible bases, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and / or amines, such as triethylamine, methylethylamine, or mixtures thereof.

[0063] The first composition and / or the second composition may exclude hexavalent chromium or compounds containing hexavalent chromium. Non-limiting examples of such materials include chromic acid, chromium trioxide, chromic anhydride, dichromates such as ammonium dichromate, sodium dichromate, and potassium dichromate, as well as calcium, barium, magnesium, zinc, cadmium, and strontium dichromate. When the composition and / or coating or layer formed from the composition is substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of hexavalent chromium, it includes any form of hexavalent chromium, including, but not limited to, the hexavalent chromium-containing compounds listed above.

[0064] Thus, optionally, the first composition and / or the second composition, and / or the coating or layer deposited therefrom, respectively, can be substantially free, essentially free, and / or completely free of any one or more of the elements or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph. A composition and / or a coating or layer formed therefrom, respectively, that is substantially free of hexavalent chromium or its derivatives means that hexavalent chromium or its derivatives may not be intentionally added, but may be present in trace amounts due to impurities or unavoidable contamination from the environment. In other words, the amount of material is so small that it does not affect the properties of the composition. In the case of hexavalent chromium, this can further include the absence of the element or its compound in the composition and / or the coating or layer formed therefrom, respectively, at levels that would pose a burden to the environment. The term "substantially free" means that the composition and / or the coating or layer formed therefrom, respectively, contains less than 10 ppm of any or all of the elements or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph, at least if any, based on the total weight of the composition or layer, respectively. The term "essentially free" means that the composition and / or coating or layer, respectively, formed therefrom contains, at least if any, less than 1 ppm of any or all of the elements or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph. The term "completely free" means that the composition and / or coating or layer, respectively, formed therefrom contains, at least if any, less than 1 ppb of any or all of the elements or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph.

[0065] The first composition and / or second composition may eliminate the formation of phosphate ions or phosphate-containing compounds and / or sludge such as aluminum phosphate, iron phosphate, and / or zinc phosphate that are formed when using zinc phosphate-based treatments. As used herein, "phosphate-containing compounds" include compounds containing phosphorous elements such as orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, metaphosphate, tripolyphosphate, and organic phosphonates, and may contain monovalent, divalent, or trivalent cations such as, but not limited to, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, nickel, manganese, aluminum, and / or iron. When the composition and / or layer or coating formed from the composition is substantially, essentially, or completely free of phosphate, this includes compounds containing phosphate ions or phosphate in any form.

[0066] Thus, the first composition and / or the second composition and / or the layer deposited therefrom may be substantially free, in some cases essentially free, or in some cases completely free of any one or more of the ions or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph. A composition and / or a layer deposited therefrom that is substantially free of phosphate means that phosphate ions or phosphate-containing compounds may not be intentionally added, but may be present in trace amounts due to impurities or unavoidable contamination from the environment. In other words, the amount of material is so small that it does not affect the properties of the composition, which may further include the absence of phosphate in the composition and / or the layer deposited therefrom at levels that would be environmentally unfriendly. The term "substantially free" means that the composition and / or the layer deposited therefrom contains, at least in some cases, less than 5 ppm of any or all of the phosphate anions or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph, based on the total weight of the composition or layer, respectively. The term "essentially free" means that the composition and / or the layer containing it contains less than 1 ppm of any or all of the phosphate anions or compounds listed in the preceding paragraph. The term "completely free" means that the composition and / or layer containing it, at least if present, contains less than 1 ppb of any or all of the phosphate anions or compounds listed in the previous paragraph.

[0067] The first and second compositions may each comprise an aqueous medium, optionally containing other materials, such as nonionic surfactants and adjuvants, conventionally used in the art of converting and / or sealing compositions. The aqueous medium may also contain a water-dispersible organic solvent, such as an alcohol having up to about 8 carbon atoms, such as methanol or isopropanol, or a glycol ether, such as a monoalkyl ether, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or propylene glycol. When present, the water-dispersible organic solvent is typically used in an amount of up to about 10% by volume, based on the total volume of the aqueous medium. Additionally, a thickener, such as a cellulose, siliconized, or acrylic thickener, may be present in the aqueous medium. When present, such thickeners are typically used in an amount of at least 0.00001% by weight, such as at least 0.5% by weight, and in some cases, 5% by weight or less, such as 1% by weight or less. When present, such thickeners are typically used in an amount of 0.00001% by weight to 5% by weight, such as 0.5% by weight to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0068] Other optional materials that may be included in the first and / or second compositions include surfactants that function as antifoaming agents or substrate wetting agents. Anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or nonionic surfactants may be used. The foaming surfactant may optionally be present at a level of up to 1% by weight, such as up to 0.1% by weight, and the wetting agent is typically present at a level of up to 2% by weight, such as up to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the first and / or second compositions.

[0069] As mentioned above, the first composition and the second composition may each comprise a carrier, often an aqueous medium, such that the first composition is in the form of a solution or dispersion of a trivalent chromium compound and optionally other metal compounds and / or co-inhibitors in the carrier, and the second composition is in the form of a solution or dispersion of a permanganate compound and optionally co-inhibitors in the carrier.

[0070] As noted above, the systems of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the first compositions described above, and may optionally further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the second compositions described above. The systems may optionally further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a cleaning composition or deoxidizer, such as one of those described below.

[0071] As described above, the method of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of contacting at least a portion of a substrate surface with any of the above-described first compositions, and may optionally further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of contacting at least a portion of the substrate surface with any of the above-described second compositions. In one example according to the present invention, the first composition may function as a converting composition. In one example according to the present invention, contact with the second composition may occur before contact with the first composition, in which case the second composition may function as a converting composition and the first composition may function as a sealing composition.

[0072] The solution or dispersion of the first composition and / or second composition may be contacted with the substrate by any of a variety of known techniques, such as dipping or immersion, spraying, intermittent spraying, dipping followed by spraying, spraying followed by dipping, brushing, or roll coating. The solution or dispersion, when applied to the metal substrate, may be at a temperature ranging from 40°F to 160°F, e.g., 60°F to 110°F, e.g., 70°F to 90°F. For example, the process may be carried out at ambient or room temperature. Contact times are often from 1 second to 30 minutes, e.g., 30 seconds to 15 minutes, e.g., 4 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0073] Following contact with the first composition and / or the second composition, the substrate may optionally be air-dried at room temperature, or may be dried with hot air by briefly exposing the substrate to elevated temperatures, e.g., using an air knife, to flash off the water, e.g., by drying the substrate in an oven at 15°C to 100°C, e.g., 20°C to 90°C, or with a heater assembly using infrared heat, e.g., at 70°C for 10 minutes, or by passing the substrate between squeegee rolls. Alternatively, following contact with the first composition and / or the second composition, the substrate may optionally be rinsed with tap water, deionized water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, and / or an aqueous solution of a rinse agent to remove any residue, and then optionally dried, e.g., air-dried or hot air-dried as described above.

[0074] At least a portion of the substrate surface may be cleaned and / or deoxidized prior to contacting the substrate surface with the first and / or second compositions described above to remove grease, dirt, and / or other foreign matter. At least a portion of the substrate surface may be cleaned by physical and / or chemical means, such as mechanically abrading the surface and / or cleaning / degreasing the surface with an alkaline or acidic cleaning composition. Such cleaning agents often precede or follow a water rinse, such as tap water, distilled water, RO water, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the "cleaning composition" included in the processing systems and methods of the present invention may have deoxidizing functionality in addition to degreasing properties and / or may eliminate the need for application of a separate processing composition to deoxidize the substrate surface. Alternatively, the processing systems and methods of the present invention may include a cleaning composition and a deoxidizing composition, which are applied to the substrate surface in sequential steps, optionally with an intervening rinsing step.

[0075] As noted above, the cleaning composition may be alkaline and have a pH greater than 7, such as greater than 9, for example greater than 11. The pH of the cleaning composition may be from 7 to 13, for example from 9 to 12.7. In other cases, the cleaning composition may be acidic and have a pH less than 7, for example less than 6, for example less than 5.5. The pH of the cleaning composition may be from 0.5 to 6, for example from 1.5 to 4.5.

[0076] The cleaning composition may include commercially available alkaline detergents, including Chemkleen™ 163, 177, 611L, 490MX, 2010LP, and 181ALP, Ultrax 32, Ultrax 97, and Ultrax 94D, each commercially available from PPG Industries, Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio), and any of the DFM series, RECC 1001, and 88X1002 detergents commercially available from PRC-DeSoto International (Sylmar, California), as well as Turco 4215-NCLT and Ridolene, commercially available from Henkel Technologies (Madison Heights, Michigan), and the SOCOCLEAN series detergents commercially available from Socomore. Optionally, the detergent may be substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of borate.

[0077] The cleaning composition may contain hydroxide-containing and / or phosphate-containing compounds and / or metasilicates. The hydroxide ions of the hydroxide-containing compounds, if present, may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of 0.05 to 25 g / 1000 g solution, for example, 18 to 20 g / 1000 g solution, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In cleaning compositions having phosphate-containing compounds, the phosphate may be phosphate (PO4) 3- , dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4) - , and / or pyrophosphate (P2O7) 4- , e.g., phosphate (PO4) 3- , and / or pyrophosphate (P2O7) 4-The phosphate may be present in the composition in an amount of 50 g to 10 g per 1000 g solution, e.g., 70 g to 90 g per 1000 g solution, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. Other non-limiting examples of suitable phosphate-containing compounds include organic phosphates, such as Dequest®, available from Monsanto (St. Louis, Missouri).

[0078] The cleaning composition may include hydrogen and / or minerals such as iron, potassium, etc. For example, the cleaning composition may include phosphoric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and / or iron sulfate.

[0079] The cleaning composition may optionally include a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal compound and / or an azole compound. The metal cation (if included) of the metal compound in the corrosion inhibitor may include various metal cations having corrosion-inhibiting properties. For example, the metal cation may include a lanthanide element, a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal, and / or a transition metal, such as any of those described above.

[0080] The cleaning composition may comprise a corrosion inhibitor containing metal cations at a concentration of at least 0.01 g / L, e.g., at least 0.05 g / L, e.g., at least 0.1 g / L, e.g., at least 1 g / L, and in some cases may be present in the cleaning composition at a concentration of 25 g / L or less, e.g., 16 g / L or less, e.g., 10 g / L or less, e.g., 5 g / L or less. The metal cations may be present in the cleaning composition at a concentration of 0.01 g / L to 25 g / L of the composition, e.g., 0.05 g / L to 16 g / L, e.g., 0.1 g / L to 10 g / L, e.g., 1 g / L to 5 g / L, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In some cases, the upper limit of the amount of metal ions may depend on the solubility of the salt used as the source of the metal ions. As described in more detail below, the metal cations may be provided in the cleaning composition in the form of a metal salt.

[0081] As described above, metal cations can be provided in the cleaning composition in the form of a salt having the metal cation as the anion and the salt cation (i.e., the metal salt can serve as the source of the metal cation in the composition). The salt anion can be any suitable anion capable of forming a salt with a lanthanide element, Group IA metal, Group IIA metal, and / or transition metal. Non-limiting examples of such anions include carbonate, hydroxide, nitrate, halogen, sulfate, phosphate, and / or silicate (e.g., orthosilicate and metasilicate). However, the cleaning composition can contain at least one hydroxide-containing compound and / or phosphate-containing compound. Optionally, the cleaning composition includes at least two metal salts, and the at least two metal salts may contain different anions and / or cations. For example, the at least two metal salts may contain different anions but the same cation, or different cations but the same anion.

[0082] As described above, the cleaning composition may contain a halogen. The halogen may be provided in the composition in the form of a salt containing the metal cation described above. The halogen may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of at least 0.2 g / L based on the total weight of the cleaning composition (and when the halogen is provided as a salt, the salt may be present in the composition), and in some cases, in an amount of 1.5 g / L or less based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The halogen may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of 0.2 g / L to 1.5 g / L based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. In other examples, the cleaning composition may be substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of halogen.

[0083] Optionally, the cleaning composition may further comprise a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound. The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound may include cyclic compounds having one nitrogen atom, such as pyrrole, and azole compounds having two or more nitrogen atoms, such as pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, and pentazole, compounds having one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom, such as oxazole and isoxazole, or compounds having one nitrogen atom and one sulfur atom, such as thiazole and isothiazole. Non-limiting examples of suitable azole compounds include 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (CAS: 1072-71-5), 1H-benzotriazole (CAS: 95-14-7), 1H-1,2,3-triazole (CAS: 288-36-8), 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (CAS: 2349-67-9), also known as 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol, and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (CAS: 4005-51-0). In some embodiments, for example, the azole compound includes 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole. In addition, the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound may be in the form of a salt, such as a sodium salt.

[0084] The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of at least 0.5 g / L of the cleaning composition, for example, at least 1 g / L of the cleaning composition, for example, at least 5 g / L of the cleaning composition, and in some cases, in an amount of 15 g / L or less of the composition, for example, 12 g / L or less of the composition, for example, 10 g / L or less of the composition, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound may be present in the cleaning composition in an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount, for example, from 0.5 g / L of the composition to 15 g / L of the composition, for example, from 1 g / L of the composition to 12 g / L of the composition, for example, from 5 g / L of the composition to 10 g / L of the composition, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0085] The cleaning composition may contain other ingredients and / or additives, such as, but not limited to, carbonates, surfactants, chelators, thickeners, allantoin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, halides, adhesion-promoting silanes (e.g., silanes with amine and / or hydroxyl functional groups, or zirconium alkoxides and / or silane coupling agents), and alcohols. For example, surfactants, if present, may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount of 0.015 g / 1000 g solution to 60 g / 1000 g solution. Suitable surfactants for use in the present invention include Dynol 604 and Carbowet™ DC01 surfactants, both commercially available from Air Products, having offices in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Triton X-100, commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Michigan).

[0086] Additionally, optionally, the additive may include polyvinylpyrrolidone, which, if present, may be present in the cleaning composition in an amount from 0.01 g / L of the cleaning composition to 5 g / L of the cleaning composition, for example, from 0.02 g / L of the cleaning composition to about 1 g / L of the cleaning composition.

[0087] The cleaning composition of the present invention may contain a carrier such as water so that the cleaning composition is in the form of a solution or dispersion. The solution or dispersion may be contacted with the substrate by any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, immersion, spraying, coating, or spreading, using a brush, roller, or the like. For application via spraying, conventional (automatic or manual) spraying techniques and equipment used for air spraying may be used. The cleaning composition may be applied using an electrolytic coating system. The residence time that the cleaning composition remains in contact with the metal substrate may vary from a few seconds to several hours, for example, less than 30 minutes or 3 minutes or less.

[0088] When the cleaning composition is applied to the metal substrate by immersion, the immersion time can vary from a few seconds to a few hours, for example, less than 30 minutes or 3 minutes or less, for example, 2 seconds. When the cleaning composition is applied to the metal substrate using spray application, a conventional spray application method can be used to contact the composition with at least a portion of the substrate. The residence time that the cleaning composition remains in contact with the metal substrate can vary from a few seconds to a few hours, for example, less than 30 minutes or 3 minutes or less, for example, 2 seconds.

[0089] After contacting the metal substrate with the cleaning composition, the metal substrate may optionally be air-dried and then rinsed with tap water, RO water, and / or distilled / deionized water. Alternatively, after contacting the metal substrate with the composition, the metal substrate may be rinsed with tap water, RO water, and / or distilled / deionized water and then air-dried (if necessary). However, drying the substrate is not required, and in some cases, drying is omitted. Additionally, as described above, the substrate does not need to be rinsed, and the metal substrate may then be further coated with a conversion coating, primer, and / or top coating to achieve a substrate with a completed coating. Thus, in some cases, this subsequent rinsing may be omitted.

[0090] In some cases, the cleaning composition may be applied to the metal substrate for 1 to 10 minutes (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes), and the surface of the metal substrate may be kept wet by reapplying the composition. The composition may then optionally be allowed to dry for 5 to 10 minutes (e.g., 7 minutes) after the last application of the composition, for example, in the absence of heat above room temperature. However, drying the substrate is not required, and in some cases, drying is omitted. For example, a solvent (e.g., alcohol) may be used to rinse the substrate, allowing the drying step to be omitted.

[0091] After contacting the metal substrate with the cleaning composition, the metal substrate may optionally be air-dried. However, it is not necessary to dry the substrate, and in some cases, drying may be omitted. Rinsing is not required, but may be performed if desired.

[0092] The metal substrate may optionally be conditioned before or after contacting the metal substrate with the cleaning composition described above. As used herein, the term "conditioning" refers to surface modification of the substrate prior to subsequent processing. Such surface modification may include various operations, including, but not limited to, cleaning (removing impurities and / or soils from the surface), deoxidizing, and / or applying solutions or coatings, as known in the art. Conditioning may have one or more benefits, such as producing a more uniform starting metal surface, improving adhesion of subsequent coatings on the pre-treated substrate, and / or modifying the starting surface in a manner that facilitates deposition of subsequent compositions.

[0093] Metal substrates can be pretreated by wiping the metal with a solvent before applying the composition to the metal substrate. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents include methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl propyl ketone (MPK), acetone, and the like.

[0094] The metal substrate may optionally be prepared by treating the metal substrate with a first solvent before contacting the metal substrate with the cleaning composition. As used herein, the term "solvent treatment" refers to rinsing, wiping, spraying, or immersing the substrate with a solvent that aids in the removal of ink, oil, etc. that may be on the metal surface. Alternatively, the metal substrate may be prepared by degreasing the metal substrate using conventional degreasing methods before contacting the metal substrate with the cleaning composition.

[0095] Additional optional procedures for preparing metal substrates include the use of surface brighteners, such as pickling solutions or mild acid etching, or smitt removers.

[0096] The metal substrate may be rinsed with tap water, RO water, and / or distilled / deionized water between each of the above cleaning, deoxidizing, and other treatment steps (which occur before contacting the substrate surface with the first and / or second compositions), and may be rinsed thoroughly with distilled / deionized water and / or alcohol after contact with the compositions. However, as noted above, some of the above procedures and rinsing may not be necessary before or after applying the cleaning composition.

[0097] As described above, optionally, at least a portion of the cleaned substrate surface may be mechanically and / or chemically deoxidized. As used herein, the term "deoxidizing" refers to the removal of an oxide layer present on the substrate surface to promote uniform deposition of the first and / or second compositions (described above) and to promote adhesion of a coating formed from such compositions to the substrate surface. Suitable deoxidizing agents will be familiar to those skilled in the art. Typical mechanical deoxidizing agents may uniformly roughen the substrate surface, such as by using an abrasive or cleaning pad. Typical chemical deoxidizing agents include, for example, acid-based deoxidizing agents such as phosphoric acid, nitric acid, fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, chromic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and ammonium bifluoride, or combinations thereof, such as Amchem 7 / 17 deoxidizer available from Henkel Technologies (Madison Heights, Michigan), OAKITE DEOXIDIZER LNC available from Chemetall, TURCO DEOXIDIZER 6 available from Henkel, and Socosurf deoxidizer available from Socomore. Chemical deoxidizers often include a carrier, often an aqueous medium, such that the deoxidizer may be in the form of a solution or dispersion within the carrier, in which case the solution or dispersion may be contacted with the substrate by any of a variety of known techniques, such as immersion or dipping, spraying, intermittent spraying, immersion followed by spraying, spraying followed by immersion, brushing, or roll coating. One skilled in the art will select the temperature range of the solution or dispersion when applied to the metal substrate based on the etch rate, e.g., at temperatures ranging from 50°F to 150°F (10°C to 66°C), e.g., 70°F to 130°F (21°C to 54°C), e.g., 80°F to 120°F (27°C to 49°C). Contact times can be from 30 seconds to 20 minutes, e.g., from 1 minute to 15 minutes, e.g., from 90 seconds to 12 minutes, e.g., from 3 minutes to 9 minutes.

[0098] Optionally, after contact with the first and / or second compositions, the substrate may be optionally contacted with tap water, deionized water, RO water, and / or any aqueous solution known to those skilled in the art of substrate processing, where such water or aqueous solution may be at a temperature between room temperature (60° F.) and 212° F. The substrate may then optionally be dried, for example, air dried or hot air dried as described in the previous paragraph, such that the substrate surface may be partially dried, or in some cases completely dried, before any subsequent contact of the substrate surface with any water, solution, composition, etc.

[0099] Disclosed herein is a system for treating a metal substrate comprising, or in some cases consisting essentially of, a conversion composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a permanganate compound; and a sealing composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a trivalent chromium compound containing trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the sealing composition. The system may optionally further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a cleaning composition and / or a deoxidizing composition. The cleaning composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or an additive. Also disclosed herein is a substrate treated with the system.

[0100] Disclosed herein is a method for treating a metal substrate, comprising, or in some cases consisting essentially of, contacting at least a portion of the substrate's surface with a conversion composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a permanganate compound; and contacting at least a portion of the surface contacted with the conversion composition with a sealing composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the sealing composition. The method can optionally further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of contacting the substrate surface with a cleaning composition and / or an oxygen scavenging composition prior to contacting the surface with the conversion composition. The cleaning composition can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or an additive. Also disclosed herein is a substrate treated by this method.

[0101] Disclosed herein is a substrate treated by the above-described system and method. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a substrate treated with a conversion composition comprising a trivalent chromium-containing compound (i) exhibits at least a 25% reduction, such as at least a 50% reduction, such as at least a 75% reduction, in the number of pits on the substrate surface compared to a substrate not treated with the conversion composition after exposure for at least 18 days, such as at least a 25-day exposure, in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluation according to MIL-C-5541, and / or (ii) has fewer than 20 pits, such as fewer than 15 pits, such as fewer than 10 pits, such as fewer than 7 pits, such as fewer than 5 pits, after exposure for at least 18 days, such as at least a 25-day exposure, in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluation according to MIL-C-5541. It has also been surprisingly discovered that cleaning the substrate surface using a cleaning composition containing a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, and / or a corrosion inhibitor prior to treatment with the conversion composition of the present invention maintains such unexpected corrosion performance while eliminating the need for a separate deoxidation treatment prior to application of the conversion composition.

[0102] It has also surprisingly been discovered that substrates treated with a conversion composition comprising a permanganate-containing compound and then treated with a seal comprising a trivalent chromium-containing compound (i) exhibit at least a 25% reduction, such as at least a 50% reduction, such as at least a 75% reduction, in the number of pits on the substrate surface compared to a substrate not treated with the conversion composition and sealant composition, after being exposed for at least 18 days, such as at least a 25 day exposure, in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117, and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541, and / or (ii) have fewer than 20 pits, such as fewer than 15 pits, such as fewer than 10 pits, such as fewer than 7 pits, for example fewer than 5 pits, after being exposed for at least 18 days, such as at least a 25 day exposure, in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117, and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[0103] Disclosed herein is a system for treating a metal substrate comprising, in some cases consisting essentially of, or in some cases consisting of, a cleaning composition comprising, or consisting essentially of, a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or additives, and a conversion composition comprising a trivalent chromium compound comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition. Also disclosed herein are substrates treated with the system.

[0104] Disclosed herein is a method for treating a metal substrate, the method comprising, or in some cases consisting essentially of, contacting at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or an additive, and contacting at least the portion of the substrate contacted with the cleaning composition with a conversion composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition. Also disclosed herein is a substrate treated by this method.

[0105] Disclosed herein are substrates treated with the above-described systems and methods. It has surprisingly been discovered that substrates treated with a cleaning composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or additives, and then treated with a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L, based on the total weight of the sealing composition, exhibit at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the substrate surface (after exposure for at least 168 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541), e.g., at least a 50%, e.g., at least a 75%, reduction in the number of pits on the substrate surface, compared to substrates not treated with the conversion composition and sealing composition. It has also surprisingly been discovered that substrates treated with a cleaning composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a hydroxide source, a phosphate source, corrosion inhibitors, and / or additives, and then treated with a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L, based on the total weight of the sealing composition, have fewer than 20 pits (after exposure for at least 168 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541), such as fewer than 15 pits, for example, fewer than 10 pits, for example, fewer than 7 pits, for example, fewer than 5 pits.

[0106] Disclosed herein are substrates comprising, in some cases consisting essentially of, or in some cases consisting of, films formed from conversion compositions that include, or in some cases consist essentially of, or in some cases consist of trivalent chromium compounds.

[0107] Disclosed herein are methods of treating a substrate that include, or in some cases consist essentially of, or in some cases consist of, a composition comprising a trivalent chromium compound, wherein the composition comprises, or in some cases consists essentially of, or in some cases consists of, a trivalent chromium compound, and at least a portion of the substrate surface is contacted with the composition.

[0108] Disclosed herein are methods of treating a substrate that include, or in some cases, consist essentially of, or in some cases consist of, contacting at least a portion of the substrate with a converting composition that includes, or in some cases consists essentially of, or in some cases consists of a second composition, and contacting the contacted surface with a sealing composition that includes a first composition.

[0109] It has surprisingly been discovered that the galvanically active sites on a substrate surface treated with one of the systems and / or methods of the present invention are inactive after contact with at least one of the cleaning or deoxidizing composition (described above), the first composition, and / or the second composition, such that the chromium cations in the first composition and / or the film deposited therefrom are not oxidizable.

[0110] After contacting the substrate with the first and / or second compositions, a coating composition comprising a film-forming resin may be deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate that was contacted with the first and / or second compositions. Any suitable technique may be used to deposit such a coating composition on the substrate, including, for example, brushing, dipping, flow coating, spraying, etc. However, in some cases, as described in more detail below, such deposition of the coating composition may include an electrodeposition process in which an electrodepositable composition is deposited on the metal substrate by electrodeposition. In some other cases, as described in more detail below, such deposition of the coating composition may include a powder coating process. In still other cases, the coating composition may be a liquid coating composition.

[0111] The coating composition may contain a thermosetting film-forming resin or a thermoplastic film-forming resin. As used herein, the term "film-forming resin" refers to a resin capable of forming a self-supporting, continuous film on at least the horizontal surface of a substrate upon removal of any diluents or carriers present in the composition or upon curing at ambient or elevated temperatures. Conventional film-forming resins that may be used include, but are not limited to, those typically used in automotive OEM coating compositions, automotive refinish coating compositions, industrial coating compositions, architectural coating compositions, coil coating compositions, and aerospace coating compositions, among others. As used herein, the term "thermosetting" refers to a resin that irreversibly "solidifies" by curing or crosslinking, in which the polymer chains of the polymeric components are bonded together by covalent bonds. This characteristic is typically associated with a crosslinking reaction of the composition components, often induced by, for example, heat or radiation. The curing or crosslinking reaction can also occur under ambient conditions. Once cured or crosslinked, a thermosetting resin does not dissolve when heated and is insoluble in solvents. As used herein, the term "thermoplastic" refers to a resin that contains polymeric components that are not covalently bonded, thereby capable of undergoing liquid flow upon heating, and that is soluble in a solvent.

[0112] As previously indicated, an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a water-dispersible ionic base-containing film-forming resin that can be deposited on a substrate by an electrodeposition process, the electrodepositable coating composition being deposited on a metal substrate by electrodeposition.

[0113] The ionic base-containing film-forming polymer may include a cationic base-containing film-forming polymer for use in a cationic electrodepositable coating composition. As used herein, the term "cationic base-containing film-forming polymer" refers to a polymer containing at least partially neutralized cationic groups, such as sulfonium and ammonium groups, that impart a positive charge. The cationic base-containing film-forming polymer may contain active hydrogen functional groups, including, for example, hydroxyl groups, primary or secondary amine groups, and thiol groups. A cationic base-containing film-forming polymer containing active hydrogen functional groups may be referred to as an active hydrogen-containing cationic base-containing film-forming polymer. Examples of polymers suitable for use as the cationic base-containing film-forming polymer include, but are not limited to, alkyd polymers, acrylics, polyepoxides, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyethers, and polyesters, among others.

[0114] The cationic base-containing film-forming polymer may be present in the cationic electrodepositable coating composition in an amount of 40% to 90% by weight, e.g., 50% to 80% by weight, e.g., 60% to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of resin solids of the electrodepositable coating composition. As used herein, "resin solids" includes the cationic base-containing film-forming polymer, the curing agent, and any additional water-dispersible, non-fermentable components present in the electrodepositable coating composition.

[0115] Alternatively, the ionic base-containing film-forming polymer may include an anionic base-containing film-forming polymer for use in an anionic electrodepositable coating composition. As used herein, the term "anionic base-containing film-forming polymer" refers to an anionic polymer containing at least partially neutralized anionic functional groups, such as carboxylic acid and phosphate groups, that impart a negative charge. The anionic base-containing film-forming polymer may contain active hydrogen functional groups. Anionic base-containing film-forming polymers containing active hydrogen functional groups may be referred to as active hydrogen-containing anionic base-containing film-forming polymers.

[0116] The anionic base-containing film-forming polymer may include a base-soluble carboxylic acid group-containing film-forming polymer, such as a reaction product or adduct of a drying oil or semi-dry fatty acid ester with a dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, a reaction product of a fatty acid ester, an unsaturated acid, or anhydride, and any additional unsaturated modified material further reacted with a polyol. Also suitable are at least partially neutralized interpolymers of unsaturated carboxylic acids, hydroxyalkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids, and at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer. Yet another suitable anionic electrodepositable resin includes an alkyd aminoplast vehicle, i.e., a vehicle containing an alkyd resin and an amine-aldehyde resin. Another suitable anionic electrodepositable resin composition includes a mixed ester of a resinous polyol. Other acid-functional polymers, such as phosphated polyepoxides or phosphated acrylic polymers, may also be used. Exemplary phosphorylated polyepoxides are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0045071, paragraphs

[0004] to

[0015] , and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 232,093, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0040] , the cited portions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0117] The anionic base-containing film-forming polymer may be present in the anionic electrodepositable coating composition in an amount of 50% to 90%, such as 55% to 80%, such as 60% to 75%, based on the total weight of resin solids of the electrodepositable coating composition.

[0118] The electrodepositable coating composition may further comprise a curing agent. The curing agent may react with reactive groups, such as active hydrogen groups, of the ionic base-containing film-forming polymer to cause curing of the coating composition and form a coating. Non-limiting examples of suitable curing agents include at least partially blocked polyisocyanates, aminoplast resins, and phenoplast resins, such as phenol-formaldehyde condensates containing their allyl ether derivatives.

[0119] The curing agent may be present in a cationic electrodepositable coating composition in an amount of 10 to 60 weight percent, such as 20 to 50 weight percent, such as 25 to 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of resin solids of the electrodepositable coating composition. Alternatively, the curing agent may be present in an anionic electrodepositable coating composition in an amount of 10 to 50 weight percent, such as 20 to 45 weight percent, such as 25 to 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of resin solids of the electrodepositable coating composition.

[0120] The electrodepositable coating composition may further include other optional ingredients, such as a pigment composition, and, if desired, various additives, such as fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants, biocides, UV light absorbers and stabilizers, hindered amine light stabilizers, defoamers, bactericides, dispersing aids, flow control agents, surfactants, wetting agents, or combinations thereof.

[0121] The electrodepositable coating composition may contain water and / or one or more organic solvents. Water may be present, for example, in an amount of 40% to 90% by weight, e.g., 50% to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the electrodepositable coating composition. When used, organic solvents may typically be present in an amount less than 10% by weight, e.g., less than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the electrodepositable coating composition. The electrodepositable coating composition may, in particular, be provided in the form of an aqueous dispersion. The total solids content of the electrodepositable coating composition may be 1% to 50% by weight, e.g., 5% to 40% by weight, e.g., 5% to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the electrodepositable coating composition. As used herein, "total solids" refers to the nonvolatile content of the electrodepositable coating composition, i.e., materials that do not volatilize when heated to 110°C for 15 minutes.

[0122] Cationic electrodepositable coating compositions can be deposited on conductive substrates by contacting the composition with a conductive cathode and a conductive anode, with the surface to be coated being the cathode. Alternatively, anionic electrodepositable coating compositions can be deposited on conductive substrates by contacting the composition with a conductive cathode and a conductive anode, with the surface to be coated being the anode. An adherent film of the electrodepositable coating composition is deposited substantially continuously on the cathode or anode when a sufficient voltage is applied between the electrodes. The applied voltage can vary, for example, from as low as 1 volt to as high as several thousand volts, e.g., between 50 and 500 volts. Current densities are typically between 1.0 and 15 amps per square foot (10.8 and 161.5 amps per square meter) and tend to decrease rapidly during the electrodeposition process, indicating the formation of a continuous, self-insulating film.

[0123] Once the cationic or anionic electrodepositable coating composition has been electrodeposited onto at least a portion of the conductive substrate, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cure the electrodepositable coating on the substrate. For cationic electrodeposition, the coated substrate may be heated to a temperature ranging from 250°F to 450°F (121.1°C to 232.2°C), e.g., from 275°F to 400°F (135°C to 204.4°C), e.g., from 300°F to 360°F (149°C to 180°C). For anionic electrodeposition, the coated substrate may be heated to a temperature ranging from 200°F to 450°F (93°C to 232.2°C), e.g., 275°F to 400°F (135°C to 204.4°C), e.g., 300°F to 360°F (149°C to 180°C), e.g., 200°F to 210.2°F (93°C to 99°C). Cure time may depend on the cure temperature as well as other variables, such as the thickness of the electrodepositable coating and the level and type of catalyst present in the composition. For example, cure times may range from 10 to 60 minutes, e.g., 20 to 40 minutes. The thickness of the resulting cured electrodepositable coating may range from 2 to 50 microns.

[0124] Alternatively, after the substrate has been contacted with the first and / or second compositions, as described above, a powder coating composition may then be deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. As used herein, "powder coating composition" refers to a coating composition that is completely free of water and / or solvents. Thus, the powder coating compositions disclosed herein are not synonymous with aqueous and / or solvent-based coating compositions in the art.

[0125] The powder coating composition may include (a) a film-forming polymer having reactive functional groups, and (b) a curing agent that is reactive with the functional groups. Examples of powder coating compositions that may be used in the present invention include the polyester-based ENVIROCRON line of powder coating compositions commercially available from PPG Industries, Inc., or epoxy-polyester hybrid powder coating compositions. Alternative examples of powder coating compositions that may be used in the present invention include low-temperature cure heat-curable powder coating compositions comprising (a) at least one tertiary aminourea compound, at least one tertiary aminourethane compound, or a mixture thereof, and (b) at least one film-forming epoxy-containing resin and / or at least one siloxane-containing resin (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,470,752, assigned to PPG Industries Ohio, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference); and curable powder coating compositions generally comprising (a) at least one tertiary aminourea compound, at least one tertiary aminourethane compound, or a mixture thereof, and (b) at least one film-forming epoxy-containing resin and / or at least one siloxane-containing resin (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,333, assigned to PPG Industries Ohio, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference), ... gand those comprising a solid particulate mixture of a reactive group-containing polymer having the formula:

[0126] After deposition of the powder coating composition, the coating is often heated to cure the deposited composition. The heating or curing operation is often carried out at a temperature ranging from 150°C to 200°C, such as 170°C to 190°C, for a time ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. The resulting film thickness is 50 to 125 microns.

[0127] As mentioned above, the coating composition can be a liquid coating composition. As used herein, "liquid coating composition" refers to a coating composition that contains water and / or a solvent. Therefore, the liquid coating composition disclosed herein is synonymous with the aqueous and / or solvent-based coating compositions known in the art.

[0128] A liquid coating composition can include, for example, (a) a film-forming polymer having reactive functional groups and (b) a curing agent that is reactive with the functional groups. In other examples, the liquid coating can include a film-forming polymer that can react with oxygen in the air or that can coalesce into a film through evaporation of water and / or solvent. These film-forming mechanisms can require or be accelerated by the application of heat or some type of radiation, such as ultraviolet or infrared light. Examples of liquid coating compositions that can be used in the present invention include the SPECTRACRON® line of solvent-based coating compositions, the AQUACRON® line of water-based coating compositions, and the RAYCRON® line of UV-cured coatings, all of which are commercially available from PPG Industries, Inc.

[0129] Suitable film-forming polymers that may be used in the liquid coating compositions of the present invention may include (poly)esters, alkyds, (poly)urethanes, isocyanurates, (poly)ureas, (poly)epoxies, anhydrides, acrylics, (poly)ethers, (poly)sulfides, (poly)amines, (poly)amides, (poly)vinyl chlorides, (poly)olefins, (poly)vinylidene fluorides, (poly)siloxanes, or combinations thereof.

[0130] The substrate contacted with the first and / or second compositions may also be contacted with a primer composition and / or a topcoat composition. The primer coat may be, for example, a chromate-based primer and a high-performance topcoat. The primer coat may be a conventional chromate-based primer coat, such as those commercially available from PPG Industries, Inc. (product code 44GN072), or a chrome-free primer, such as those commercially available from PPG (DESOPRIME CA7502, DESOPRIME CA7521, DEFT 02GN083, DEFT 02GN084). Alternatively, the primer coat may be a chromate-free primer coat, such as the coating compositions described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 758,973, entitled "Corrosion Resistant Coatings Containing Carbon," and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 758,972 and 10 / 758,972, both entitled "Corrosion Resistant Coatings," all of which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as other chrome-free primers known in the art and capable of passing the military requirements of MIL-PRF-85582 Class N or MIL-PRF-23377 Class N.

[0131] As mentioned above, the substrate of the present invention may also include a topcoat. As used herein, the term "topcoat" refers to a binder mixture, typically an organic or inorganic-based polymer or polymer blend, typically at least one pigment, optionally containing at least one solvent or mixture of solvents, and optionally containing at least one curing agent. A topcoat is typically a coating layer in a single-layer or multi-layer coating system whose outer surface is exposed to the atmosphere or environment and whose inner surface is in contact with another coating layer or a polymer substrate. Examples of suitable topcoats include those that comply with MIL-PRF-85285D, such as those commercially available from PPG (Deft 03W127A and Deft 03GY292). The topcoat may be a high-performance topcoat, such as those commercially available from PPG (Defthane® ELT.™ 99GY001 and 99W009). However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art with reference to this disclosure, other topcoats and high-performance topcoats can be used in the present invention.

[0132] Metal substrates may also include a self-priming topcoat or a reinforced self-priming topcoat. The term "self-priming topcoat," also known as a "substrate-direct" or "metal-direct" coating, refers to a mixture of binders, an organic or inorganic-based polymer or blend of polymers, typically at least one pigment, optionally containing at least one solvent or mixture of solvents, and optionally containing at least one curing agent. The term "reinforced self-priming topcoat," also known as a "reinforced substrate-direct coating," refers to a mixture of a functionalized fluorinated binder, such as fluoroethylene-alkyl vinyl ether, in whole or in part with another binder, an organic or inorganic-based polymer or blend of polymers, typically at least one pigment, optionally containing at least one solvent or mixture of solvents, and optionally containing at least one curing agent. Examples of self-priming topcoats include those conforming to TT-P-2756A. Examples of self-priming topcoats include those commercially available from PPG (03W169 and 03GY369), and examples of enhanced self-priming topcoats include Defthane® ELT™ / ESPT (product code 97GY121), also commercially available from PPG, however, as will be understood by those skilled in the art with reference to this disclosure, other self-priming topcoats and enhanced self-priming topcoats can be used in coating systems according to the present invention.

[0133] The self-priming topcoat and reinforced self-priming topcoat may be applied directly to a substrate treated with the first and / or second composition. The self-priming topcoat and reinforced self-priming topcoat can optionally be applied to an organic or inorganic polymer coating, such as a primer or paint film. The self-priming topcoat layer and reinforced self-priming topcoat are typically coating layers in a single-layer or multi-layer coating system where the outer surface of the coating is exposed to the atmosphere or environment and the inner surface of the coating is typically in contact with the substrate or any polymer coating or primer.

[0134] Topcoats, self-priming topcoats, and enhanced self-priming topcoats can be applied to treated substrates in a wet or "not fully cured" state, where they dry or harden over time, i.e., as the solvent evaporates and / or there is a chemical reaction. The coatings can dry or harden naturally or by accelerated means, such as ultraviolet curing systems, to form a film or "hardened" paint. The coatings can also be applied in a semi-cured or fully cured state, such as an adhesive.

[0135] Additionally, various additives such as colorants and, optionally, surfactants, wetting agents, or catalysts can be included in the coating composition (electrodepositable, powder, or liquid). As used herein, the term "colorant" means any substance that imparts color and / or other opacity and / or other visual effect to the composition. Exemplary colorants include pigments, dyes, and tints, such as those used in the paint industry and / or listed by the Dry Color Manufacturers Association (DCMA), as well as special effect compositions.

[0136] Generally, the colorant can be present in the coating composition in any amount sufficient to impart the desired visual and / or color effect. The colorant may comprise from 1% to 65% by weight, such as from 3% to 40% by weight or from 5% to 35% by weight, where the weight percentage is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0137] Therefore, in view of the above description, the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, the following Aspects 1 to 51.

[0138] Aspects Embodiment 1. A first composition comprising: trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the composition; an aqueous carrier; and

[0139] Embodiment 2. The composition of embodiment 1, further comprising an anion suitable for forming a salt with a trivalent chromium cation.

[0140] Embodiment 3. The composition of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the composition further comprises at least one co-inhibitor.

[0141] Embodiment 4. The composition of embodiment 3, wherein the at least one co-inhibitor comprises at least one transition metal cation.

[0142] Embodiment 5. The composition of embodiment 4, wherein the transition metal cation comprises a compound comprising a Group IVB metal cation.

[0143] Aspect 6. The composition of Aspect 5, wherein the Group IVB metal cation is present in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 5 g / L, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0144] Embodiment 7. The composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is substantially free of Group IIB metal compounds.

[0145] Embodiment 8. The composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition has a pH of less than 7.

[0146] Embodiment 9. The composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 6.

[0147] Embodiment 10. The composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is substantially free of hexavalent chromium cations.

[0148] Embodiment 11. A system for treating a metal substrate comprising the first composition of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0149] Embodiment 12 The system of embodiment 11, further comprising a second composition comprising permanganate anions.

[0150] Embodiment 13. The system of embodiment 12, wherein the permanganate anion is present in an amount of 0.1 g / L to 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0151] Embodiment 14 The system of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the second composition further comprises at least one co-inhibitor.

[0152] Embodiment 15. The system of embodiment 14, wherein at least one co-inhibitor comprises a rare earth metal cation.

[0153] Embodiment 16. The system of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the at least one co-inhibitor comprises a lanthanide element present in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L, based on the total weight of the second composition.

[0154] Embodiment 17. The system of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the at least one co-inhibitor comprises a Group IIIB metal cation present in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L, based on the total weight of the second composition.

[0155] Embodiment 18. The system of any one of embodiments 11-17, further comprising a cleaning composition.

[0156] Embodiment 19. The system of embodiment 18, wherein the cleaning composition comprises a hydroxide source and / or a phosphate source.

[0157] Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the cleaning composition has a pH of 7 to 13.

[0158] Embodiment 21. The system of embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the cleaning composition has a pH of 0.5 to 6.

[0159] Embodiment 22. The system of any one of embodiments 18-21, wherein the cleaning composition further comprises a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole.

[0160] Embodiment 23. The system of any one of embodiments 18-22, wherein the cleaning composition comprises a deoxidizer.

[0161] Embodiment 24. The system of any one of embodiments 11 to 23, wherein the system further comprises a deoxidizer.

[0162] Embodiment 25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the deoxidizer comprises a chemical deoxidizer.

[0163] Embodiment 26. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the deacidifier has a pH greater than 7.

[0164] Embodiment 27. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the deacidifier has a pH of less than 7.

[0165] Embodiment 28. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the deacidifier has a pH of 6 to 8.

[0166] Embodiment 29. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the deoxidizer comprises a mechanical deoxidizer.

[0167] Embodiment 30. The system of any one of embodiments 11 to 29, wherein the system is substantially free of hexavalent chromium.

[0168] Embodiment 31. A substrate obtainable by the system according to any one of embodiments 11 to 30.

[0169] Embodiment 32. A method for processing a substrate, comprising: A method comprising contacting at least a portion of a substrate surface with a composition according to any one of embodiments 1-9.

[0170] Embodiment 33 The method of embodiment 32, further comprising contacting at least a portion of the substrate surface with a second composition comprising permanganate anions.

[0171] Embodiment 34. The method of embodiment 33, wherein the permanganate anion is present in an amount of 0.1 g / L to 1 g / L, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0172] Embodiment 35 The method of embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the second composition further comprises at least one co-inhibitor.

[0173] Embodiment 36 The method of embodiment 35, wherein at least one co-inhibitor comprises a rare earth metal cation.

[0174] Embodiment 37. The method of embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the at least one co-inhibitor comprises a lanthanide element present in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L, based on the total weight of the second composition.

[0175] Embodiment 38. The method of any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the at least one co-inhibitor comprises a Group IIIB metal cation present in an amount of 0.001 g / L to 0.005 g / L, based on the total weight of the second composition.

[0176] Embodiment 39 The method of any one of embodiments 32 to 38, wherein the contacting with the second composition occurs before the contacting with the first composition.

[0177] Embodiment 40. The method of any one of embodiments 32-39, further comprising contacting at least a portion of the surface of the substrate with a cleaning composition, wherein contacting with the cleaning composition occurs before contacting with the second composition.

[0178] Embodiment 41. The method of any one of embodiments 32-40, further comprising contacting at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with a deoxidizing composition.

[0179] Embodiment 42. The method of any one of embodiments 32-41, further comprising mechanically deoxidizing at least a portion of the substrate surface.

[0180] Embodiment 43 The method of any one of embodiments 32-42, wherein the substrate surface is not contacted with a deoxidizing composition.

[0181] Embodiment 44. A substrate obtainable by the method according to any one of embodiments 32 to 43.

[0182] Embodiment 45. The substrate of embodiment 31 or 44, wherein the substrate contacted with the first composition and / or the second composition has at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the substrate surface, compared to a substrate not treated with the first composition, after exposure for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluation in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[0183] Embodiment 46. The substrate of embodiment 31 or 44, wherein the substrate contacted with the first composition and / or the second composition has at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the substrate surface, compared to a substrate not treated with the first composition, after being exposed for at least 25 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[0184] Embodiment 47. The substrate of embodiment 31 or 44, wherein the substrate contacted with the first composition and / or the second composition has fewer than 20 pits on the substrate surface compared to a substrate not treated with the first composition after being exposed for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[0185] Embodiment 48. The substrate of embodiment 31 or 44, wherein the substrate contacted with the first composition and / or the second composition has fewer than 20 pits on the substrate surface compared to a substrate not treated with the first composition after being exposed for at least 25 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

[0186] Embodiment 49. The substrate of any one of embodiments 31 or 44-48, wherein the film formed on the surface of the substrate by the first composition is substantially free of hexavalent chromium.

[0187] Embodiment 50. The substrate of any one of embodiments 31 or 43-49, wherein the surface of the substrate comprises inert galvanic sites.

[0188] Embodiment 51. The substrate of any one of embodiments 31 or 43-50, wherein the chromium cations in the first composition and / or the film deposited therefrom are not oxidizable.

[0189] While certain features of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the details of the coating compositions, coatings, and methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0190] Illustrating the invention are the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the invention to their details. All parts and percentages in the examples, and throughout the specification, are by weight unless otherwise indicated. [Example]

[0191] example Materials used in the examples: Potassium permanganate, ACS, 99.0% (Alfa Aesar, CAS#7722-64-7, Lot#E02R022)

[0192] Potassium hexafluorozirconate (Sigma Aldrich, CAS#16923-95-8, Lot#MKBM7151V)

[0193] Zinc sulfate heptahydrate, ACS, 99.0-103.0% (Alfa Aesar, CAS#7446-20-0, Lot#F28Q41)

[0194] Basic chromium sulfate (Treibacher Industrie AG, CAS#39380-78-4, Lot#FM4605)

[0195] Chromium(III) potassium sulfate dodecahydrate, ACS reagent >=98%, (Sigma-Aldrich, CAS#7788-99-0, lot#MKBZ9716V)

[0196] Sodium hydroxide pellets (98%), Alfa Aesar (Ward Hill, Massachusetts)

[0197] Sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, 97%, Alfa Aesar

[0198] Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 8000 m.w., Alfa Aesar

[0199] Allantoin, 98%, Alfa Aesar

[0200] 2,5-Dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 98%, Acros Organics (Gehl, Belgium)

[0201] Carbowet GA100, 100%, Air Products (Cleveland, OH), nonionic surfactant

[0202] Cerium(III) nitrate solution (Prochem, Inc., lot #08254), and

[0203] Yttrium(III) nitrate solution (Prochem, Inc., lot #08254).

[0204] Potassium permanganate stock solution A 2 L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 4.5028 g of potassium permanganate, a dark purple solid, was weighed using the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 1195.5 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on a Cole-Parmer StableTemp Ceramic Stirrer (Model No. 03406-10) and the solution was slowly stirred at medium speed until all solids were completely dissolved.

[0205] Cerium(III) nitrate stock solution A 2 L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VWR 5.0 oz. sample container and a disposable plastic pipette, 0.1263 g of cerium(III) nitrate solution was weighed using the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 600.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker and mixed well on the stir plate described above.

[0206] Yttrium(III) nitrate stock solution A 2 L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VWR 5.0 oz. sample container and a disposable plastic pipette, 0.2124 g of yttrium(III) nitrate solution was weighed using the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 500.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker and mixed well on the stir plate described above.

[0207] Chromium(III) potassium sulfate stock solution A 2-L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 10.0000 g of potassium chromium(III) sulfate dodecahydrate was weighed using an Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 1590.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above, and the solution was slowly stirred at medium speed until all solids were completely dissolved.

[0208] Basic chromium(III) sulfate stock solution A 2 L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 10.0070 g of basic chromium(III) sulfate, a dark green powder, was weighed using an Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 1590.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above, and the solution was slowly stirred at medium speed until all solids were completely dissolved.

[0209] Potassium hexafluorozirconate stock solution A 2 L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 9.0041 g of potassium hexafluorozirconate, a white crystallized solid, was weighed using an Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 1191.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above, and the solution was slowly stirred at medium speed until all solids were completely dissolved.

[0210] Composition #2~#4 Compositions #2-#4 were prepared by mixing the above stock solutions with the amounts of deionized water shown in Table 1 under gentle agitation using the stir plate described above. [Table 1]

[0211] Composition #5 A 2-L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 0.0427 g of potassium hexafluorozirconate, a white crystallized solid, was weighed using the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 800.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above and stirred at a moderately slow rate until all solids were completely dissolved. After the potassium hexafluorozirconate was completely dissolved, 200.0 g of potassium permanganate stock solution was added to the same beaker and mixed well.

[0212] Composition #6 A 2-L glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 0.0422 g of zinc sulfate heptahydrate, a white crystallized solid, was weighed out on the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 800.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above and stirred at a moderately slow rate until all solids were completely dissolved. After the zinc sulfate heptahydrate was completely dissolved, 200.0 g of potassium permanganate stock solution was added to the same beaker and mixed well.

[0213] Composition #7 A 2-liter glass beaker and stir bar were rinsed with deionized water, wiped twice with solvent (MEK), and then dried with a clean paper towel. The beaker was placed on an Adventurer Pro AV8101 weighing scale and the scale was zeroed. Using a VMP piece of weighing paper (4 x 4, 12578-165), 0.0422 g of sodium phosphate dodecahydrate was weighed out using the Adventurer Pro AV264 scale and transferred to the beaker. Next, 800.0 g of deionized water was added to the beaker. The beaker was then placed on the stir plate described above and stirred at a moderately slow rate until all solids were completely dissolved. After the sodium phosphate dodecahydrate was completely dissolved, 200.0 g of potassium permanganate stock solution was added to the same beaker and mixed well.

[0214] Composition #8~#11 Compositions #8-#11 were prepared using the amounts of the above stock solutions shown in Table 2 in the indicated amounts of deionized water under gentle agitation using the stir plate described above. [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0215] The ingredients used to prepare Cleaning Composition #12 are provided in Table 3. Sodium hydroxide and sodium phosphate were completely dissolved in deionized water under gentle mechanical agitation using a stir plate (VWR, 7x7 CER HOT / STIR). Next, PVP was stirred until dissolved, then allantoin was added and stirred until dissolved, then DMTD was added and stirred until dissolved. After DMTD was completely dissolved, Carbowet GA100 was stirred in under gentle mechanical agitation.

[0216] Neutral salt spray test For each experiment described below, panels were placed in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B 117 for the period indicated. Corrosion performance was evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541, omitting / not counting any pits, scratches, metal defects near the edges, or fabricated clamp-hold areas. Data are reported in Tables 4-8.

[0217] Example 1 Panel Preparation - Example 1A Twenty-one bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA), were hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth. Each panel was allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. Next, each panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. The panels were then spray rinsed for 30 seconds, immersion rinsed for 2 minutes, and then immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) at room temperature for 6 minutes without agitation. The panels were then carefully immersed in two additional immersion rinse tanks, where the panels were spray rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion rinsed for 2 minutes. Next, three panels were immersed for two minutes in a bath containing either Composition #1 (Alodine 1200, a hexavalent chromium-containing conversion composition commercially available from Henkel AG & Co., prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions) or one of Compositions #2 through #7 (described above) (i.e., the panels were run three times per bath). Each panel was then immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for two minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight at ambient conditions on a plastic tray before undergoing an 18-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 4. [Table 4]

[0218] The data shown in Table 4 demonstrate that alkaline cleaning and deoxidation of panels using commercial cleaners and deoxidizers, followed by treatment with a permanganate composition (with or without corrosion inhibitors), does not prevent corrosion after 18 days in a neutral salt spray. The comparison (Composition #1) was a commercially available hexavalent chromium-containing composition.

[0219] Panel Preparation - Example 1B Twelve bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA), were hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth. Each panel was allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. Next, each panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, each panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds, immersion rinsed for 2 minutes, and then immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) at room temperature for 6 minutes without agitation. Next, each panel was carefully immersed in two additional immersion rinse tanks, where the panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion rinsed for 2 minutes. Next, three panels were immersed for 5 minutes in a bath containing one of Compositions #8-#11 (i.e., the panels were run three times per bath). Each panel was then immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight at ambient conditions on a plastic tray before undergoing an 18-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 5.

[0220] Twenty additional bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA), were each hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth. Each panel was allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. Next, each panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, each panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds, immersion rinsed for 2 minutes, and then immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) at room temperature for 6 minutes without agitation. Next, each panel was carefully immersed in two additional immersion rinse tanks, where the panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion rinsed for 2 minutes. Next, ten panels were immersed for five minutes in a bath containing one of Compositions #10-#11 (i.e., panels were run in sets of ten per bath). Each panel was then immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for two minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight at ambient conditions on a plastic tray before undergoing a 25-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 6.

[0221] Twenty additional bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, California), were hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth. Each panel was allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. Next, each panel was immersed in cleaning composition #12 at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, each panel was spray-rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes. Next, 10 panels were immersed for 5 minutes in a bath containing one of compositions #10-#11 (i.e., panels were run in sets of 10 per bath). Next, each panel was immersed in two separate immersion-rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight at ambient conditions on a plastic tray before undergoing a 25-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 6. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0222] The data presented in Tables 5 and 6 demonstrate that alkaline cleaning and deoxidation of panels, followed by treatment with a trivalent chromium conversion composition containing potassium hexafluorozirconate, significantly improves corrosion performance compared to compositions containing only trivalent chromium. The data also demonstrate that panels treated with the trivalent chromium compositions of the present invention perform at least as well as or better than panels treated with Alodine (Composition #1, Table 4), a hexavalent chromate-containing composition. The data also demonstrate that cleaning panels with Cleaning Composition #12, followed by treatment with a trivalent chromium conversion composition containing potassium hexafluorozirconate, eliminates the need for separate cleaning and deoxidation treatments while maintaining improved corrosion performance.

[0223] Panel Preparation - Example 1C Twelve bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA), were hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth and allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. First, each panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, each panel was spray-rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes. Second, each panel was immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) for 6 minutes at room temperature without agitation. Next, each panel was carefully immersed in two additional immersion-rinse tanks to remove the majority of the deoxidizer, and the panel was spray-rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes to remove any remaining deoxidizer. Third, each panel was immersed in Composition #2 for 2 minutes. Next, each panel was immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Next, three panels were immersed in a bath containing one of Compositions #8-#11 for 5 minutes (i.e., the panels were run three times per bath). Next, each panel was immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight on a plastic tray in the laboratory before undergoing an 18-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 7.

[0224] Twenty additional bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrates, each measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA), were each hand-wiped twice per side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth and allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. First, each panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 6 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, each panel was spray-rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes. Second, each panel was immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) for 6 minutes at room temperature without agitation. Next, each panel was carefully immersed in two additional immersion-rinse tanks to remove most of the deoxidizer, spray-rinsed for 30 seconds, and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes to remove any remaining deoxidizer. Third, each panel was immersed in Composition #2 for 2 minutes. Next, each panel was immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Next, 10 panels were immersed in a bath containing one of Compositions #8-#11 for 5 minutes (i.e., panels were run in sets of 10 per bath). Next, each panel was immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. Finally, each panel was allowed to dry overnight at ambient conditions on a plastic tray before undergoing a 25-day neutral salt spray test. The data are reported in Table 8. [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0225] The data presented in Tables 7 and 8 demonstrate that treatment of panels with a permanganate conversion composition does not interfere with the corrosion performance of panels treated with a trivalent chromium sealing composition containing potassium hexafluorozirconate.

[0226] Example 2 Example 2A: One bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrate measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA) was hand-wiped twice on each side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth and allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. The panel was first immersed in cleaning composition #12 for 6 minutes at room temperature with moderate agitation. The panel was then spray-rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion-rinsed for 2 minutes. The rinsed panel was then immersed in a composition containing composition #10 for 6 minutes. The panel was then immersed in two separate immersion-rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. The panel was then air-dried at room temperature until dry to the touch. A grayscale image of the panel is shown in Figure 1(A). The panel had a bluish color with little or no gold coloring. The panel was rated according to the color scale shown in Figures 2(A)-2(C). As shown in Figures 2(A)-2(C), a rating of 1 indicates a panel exhibiting no gold coloring, and a rating of 5 indicates a panel exhibiting a strong yellow hue. In Figures 2(A)-2(C), dapple markings schematically indicate the location of gold coloring on the panel and the density of such coloring. The panel treated in Example 2A was ranked 2 and is shown in Figure 2(A).

[0227] Example 2B: One bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrate measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA) was hand wiped twice on each side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth and allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. First, the panel was immersed in SocoMore degreaser (SocoClean A3432) at 127°F for 10 minutes with moderate agitation. Next, the panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds and immersion rinsed for 2 minutes. Second, the panel was immersed in SocoMore deoxidizer (SocoSurf A1858 / 1806) at room temperature for 6 minutes without agitation. Next, the panel was carefully immersed in two additional immersion rinse tanks to remove most of the deoxidizer, and the panel was spray rinsed for 30 seconds, followed by a 2-minute immersion rinse. The panel was then immersed in Composition #2 for 2 minutes, followed by two separate immersion rinses of 2 minutes each. The panel was then immersed in Composition #10 for 2 minutes. The panel was then immersed in two separate immersion rinse tanks for 2 minutes each. The panel was then air-dried at room temperature until dry to the touch. A grayscale image of the panel is shown in Figure 1(B). The panel was rated according to the color scale shown in Figures 2(A)-2(C). The panel treated with Example 2B was ranked 5 and had a deep gold coloration. See Figure 1(B).

[0228] Example 2C: One bare aluminum 2024-T3 substrate measuring 3 inches x 10 inches x 0.032 inches (Priority Metals, Orange County, CA) was hand-wiped twice on each side with methyl ethyl ketone (100%) and a disposable cloth and allowed to air dry before chemical cleaning. The panel was first immersed in a deoxidizing solution (17.991% phosphoric acid, 24.987% anhydrous isopropanol, 35.005% butanol, and 22.016% water, by weight) for 3.5 minutes. The panel was then spray-rinsed until a water-free surface was obtained. The panel was then immersed in Alodine 1200s for 2.5 minutes, followed by a 1-minute immersion rinse and spray rinse. The panel was then air-dried at room temperature until dry to the touch. A grayscale image of the panel is shown in Figure 1(C). The panel was rated according to the color scale shown in Figures 2(A)-2(C). The panel treated with Example 2B was rated a 3 and had a moderate gold coloration. See Figure 2(C).

Claims

1. 1. A system for continuously processing metal substrates, comprising a plurality of compositions, the system comprising: a first composition comprising a cleaning composition for application to at least a portion of a surface of the metal substrate, the cleaning composition comprising: a hydroxide source; a phosphate source; and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole, the cleaning composition having a pH of 7 to 13; and a second composition comprising a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and zirconium cations of hexafluorozirconate for application to at least a portion of the surface after application of the cleaning composition, the conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on a total weight of the conversion composition.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning composition further comprises an additive comprising at least one of polyvinylpyrrolidone, allantoin, a surfactant, a thickener, a silane, and / or an alcohol.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the zirconium cations are present in the conversion composition in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 5 g / L, based on the total weight of the conversion composition.

4. 1. A method for preventing oxidation and degradation of a metal substrate, comprising: applying a cleaning composition by immersing the metal substrate in a first composition comprising a cleaning composition comprising a hydroxide source; a phosphate source; and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole for application to at least a portion of a surface of the metal substrate, the cleaning composition having a pH of 7 to 13; and thereafter applying a conversion composition by immersing the metal substrate in a second composition comprising a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and transition metal cations of potassium hexafluorozirconate for application to at least a portion of the surface after application of the cleaning composition, the conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition; The method as described above, comprising:

5. 1. A method for producing a metal substrate that is resistant to oxidation and degradation, comprising: applying a cleaning composition by immersing the metal substrate in a first composition comprising a cleaning composition comprising a hydroxide source; a phosphate source; and / or a corrosion inhibitor comprising a metal cation and / or an azole for application to at least a portion of a surface of the metal substrate, the cleaning composition having a pH of 7 to 13; and thereafter applying a conversion composition by immersing the metal substrate in a second composition comprising a conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations and transition metal cations of potassium hexafluorozirconate for application to at least a portion of the surface after application of the cleaning composition, the conversion composition comprising trivalent chromium cations in an amount of 0.005 g / L to 2 g / L based on the total weight of the conversion composition; The method as described above, comprising:

6. The metal substrate is (a) exhibiting at least a 25% reduction in the number of pits on the surface of the substrate, compared to a substrate not treated with the cleaning composition and the conversion composition, after exposure for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541; and / or 6. The method of claim 5, wherein (b) the surface has fewer than 20 pits after being exposed for at least 18 days in a neutral salt spray cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM B117 and evaluated in accordance with MIL-C-5541.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the zirconium cations comprise cations of hexafluorozirconate.

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