Copper Passivation and Powder Coating for C5-M Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anti-corrosion methods for high corrosion protection categories, such as C5-M, are complex, costly, and environmentally hazardous due to the use of toxic chromium ions, necessitating a simpler and safer approach.

Innovation Solution

A method involving copper passivation using a water rinse with copper(II) nitrate solution followed by a powder coating with a polyester and epoxy resin component, after iron phosphating, which eliminates the need for extensive pretreatments and toxic chromium-based processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex pretreatment methods (blasting, hot-dip galvanizing, chromium passivation) are used, then high corrosion protection category C5-M is achieved, but device complexity and environmental harm increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidpretreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful chromium-based passivation step from the traditional multi-step pretreatment process. By removing this toxic intermediate step while retaining the essential phosphating function, the process achieves the same corrosion protection (category C5-M) without the environmental hazards and process complexity associated with chromium treatments and extensive surface preparation like blasting or hot-dip galvanizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the passivation step by substituting chromium-based chemistry with copper-based chemistry. This parameter change allows the process to achieve equivalent or superior corrosion protection performance while eliminating the toxic effects and process complexity of chromium handling, heating, and waste treatment required by traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chromium-based passivation and yellow chromating are used, then corrosion protection is achieved, but environmental harm and safety risks increase due to toxic chromium ions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful copper ions into a beneficial protective layer through controlled copper passivation. Instead of using toxic chromium ions that require extensive safety measures and environmental controls, the process utilizes copper ions to form a protective copper phosphate layer on the phosphated surface. This transforms a potentially problematic substance into a useful protective agent, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining corrosion protection efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If extensive pretreatment including blasting and hot-dip galvanizing is performed, then corrosion protection category C5-M is achieved, but production time and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple separate pretreatment steps (blasting for surface preparation, hot-dip galvanizing for zinc coating, and chromium passivation for corrosion resistance) into a single integrated phosphating-copper passivation process. This consolidation eliminates the need for sequential operations, reducing production time and material costs while achieving the same corrosion protection category C5-M through the synergistic action of iron phosphate and copper phosphate layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method achieves high and very high corrosion protection categories with significant cost savings and environmental benefits, allowing for the highest protection category C5-M without the need for complex pretreatments like blasting or hot-dip galvanizing.

Implementation Method 1

Copper passivation using a water rinse with added copper(II) nitrate solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCopper passivation: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the copper acid to react with the functional components in the powder mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction between copper acid and functional components: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

Fe++ is released and reacts with the phosphate ions from the solution to form poorly soluble iron phosphate and deposits firmly adhering to the metal surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIron phosphating: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 4

Due to the introductory pickling reaction, Fe++ is released

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPickling reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

subsequent coating with a powder coating that has a polyester resin component and an epoxy resin component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPowder coating: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3129161B1Method for Anti-corrosion treatment and metal part treated therewith
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3129161B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

In a method for anti-corrosion treatment of a metal part, the aim is to be able to coat metal parts in a technically particularly simple manner while reaching high and highest corrosiveness categories. In order to achieve said aim, the method involves the steps of: - copper passivating using a water bath comprising added copper(II)-nitrate solution; - followed by coating with a coating powder that has a polyester resin moiety and an epoxy resin moiety.