Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Coating for Cut-Edge Corrosion Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving corrosion resistance of non-oriented electrical steel sheet cut edges, especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments with salt adhesion, are inadequate, particularly when using carboxylic acid-based compounds which are expensive and environmentally hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A non-oriented electrical steel sheet with a composite coating film composed of a Zn-containing phosphate and an organic resin, where the Zn content is 10 mg/m2 or more per side, and the product of the base metal steel sheet's oxygen amount and thickness is 50 ppm·mm or less, is developed. This coating film is formed by baking a coating solution with specific oxygen concentration and tensile strength conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chromate-based coating film is formed to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates due to use of hazardous substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating film by specifying precise ratios of Zn (10-50 mass%), Al (5-30 mass%), Mg (5-30 mass%), and Ca (5-30 mass%), eliminating chromate compounds while achieving equivalent or superior corrosion resistance through optimized elemental composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating film combining multiple metal elements (Zn, Al, Mg, Ca) in specific proportions, forming a multi-element protective layer that provides both corrosion resistance and environmental safety without relying on hazardous chromate compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If a Zn-based inorganic coating is applied to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but corrosion resistance in harsh environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcorrosion resistance in harsh environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the simple Zn-based coating by incorporating Al, Mg, and Ca elements in optimized ratios, creating a composite structure that maintains cost-effectiveness while significantly improving corrosion resistance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments with salt adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters within cost-effective ranges, specifying Zn at 10-50 mass% and balancing Al, Mg, and Ca content to achieve the required corrosion resistance performance without excessive manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the coating film Zn content is increased to improve corrosion resistance, then corrosion resistance is improved, but coating complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcoating composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages coating complexity by establishing clear parameter ranges for each element (Zn: 10-50 mass%, Al: 5-30 mass%, Mg: 5-30 mass%, Ca: 5-30 mass%) and specifying the constraint that their total must be 100 mass%, providing a systematic approach to achieving optimal corrosion resistance without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively enhances the corrosion resistance of steel sheet cut edges without using environmentally hazardous substances like chromate compounds or expensive organic compounds, thereby suppressing red rust occurrence even in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

a composite coating film composed of a Zn-containing phosphate and an organic resin, the composite coating film being formed on a surface of the base metal steel sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphate coating:

Implementation Method 2

This coating film is formed by baking a coating solution with specific oxygen concentration and tensile strength conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBaking:

Implementation Method 3

The solution effectively enhances the corrosion resistance of steel sheet cut edges without using environmentally hazardous substances like chromate compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS12334237B2Non-oriented electrical steel sheet and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

AI summary

A non-oriented electrical steel sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base metal steel sheet, and a composite coating film composed of a Zn-containing phosphate and an organic resin, the composite coating film being formed on a surface of the base metal steel sheet, wherein: a content of Zn in the composite coating film is 10 mg/m2 or more per side; and the product of an amount of oxygen in the base metal steel sheet and a sheet thickness of the base metal steel sheet is 50 ppm·mm or less.