[0001] The present invention relates to an acidic, aqueous phosphate-coating solution for
use in a process for phosphating metal surfaces. More particularly, it relates to
a solution for forming a phosphate film especially suitable for cationic electrocoating,
and is particularly applicable to metal surfaces which include both an iron-based
surface and a zinc-based surface such as an automobile body.
[0002] Japanese Patent Publication (unexamined) No. 107784/1980 (laid open to the public
on August 19, 1980) discloses a process for treating a metal surface by dip treatment,
followed by spray treatment, with an acidic aqueous phosphate solution containing
from 0.5 to 1.5 g/l of zinc ion, from 5 to 30 g/l of phosphate ion, and from 0.01
to 0.2 g/l of nitrite ion and/or from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitrobenzenesulfonate ion.
Said process is reported to be capable of providing a phosphate film which is effective
for forming a coating by cationic-resistance on complicated articles having many pocket
portions like car bodies.
[0003] Japanese Patent Publication (unexamined) No. 145180/1980 (laid-open to the public
on November 12, 1980) discloses a process for treating a metal surface by spray treatment
with an acidic aqueous phosphate solution containing from 0.4 to 1.0 g/l of zinc ion,
from 5 to 40 g/l of phosphate ion, from 2.0 to 5.0 g/l of chlorate ion, and from 0.01
to 0.2 g/l of nitrite ion. Further, Japanese Patent Publication (unexamined) No. 1512183/1980
(laid-open to the public on November 27, 1980) discloses an acidic aqueous phosphate
solution containing from 0.08 to 0.20 wt. % of zinc ion, from 0,8 to 3.0 wt. % of
phosphate ion, from 0.05 to 0.35 wt. % of chlorate ion, from 0.001 to 0.10 wt. % of
nitrite ion, and complex fluoride ion in an amount calculated by the formula : 0.4
≧ y ≧ 0.63x - 0.042, wherein z is the concentration in wt. % of zinc ion and y is
the concentration in wt. % of the complex fluoride ion. These prior art processes
are reported to be capable of providing excellent adhesion and corrosion-resistance
to the coating by cationic electrocoating.
[0004] To such extent as it is relevant, it may also be noted that British Published Patent
Application No. GB 2 148 951 A discloses according to its Abstract that a protective
coating can be formed on steel or other metal surfaces at low temperatures, for instance
below 40°C, by contact with a solution that is generally free of chlorate and chloride
and that contains 0.5 to 1.5 parts silicofluoride or borofluoride, 0.8 to 2.5 parts
zinc, 10 to 25 parts phosphate, 1.5 to 10 parts nitrate, 0.1 to 1.2 parts nickel and
0.25 to 2 parts sodium nitrobenzene sulfonate. The composition may also contain 0
to 0.7 parts manganese.
[0005] However, in a recent development in the automobile industry there has come to be
used for car bodies steel components plated on one surface only with zinc or alloyed
zinc, with the object of further improving corrosion-resistance after the application
of the sicative coating. It has however come to be recognised that, when the above
prior art compositions and processes are applied to such materials (i.e. to the metal
surfaces which include both an iron-based surface and a zinc-based surface), on the
iron-based surface a phosphate film suitable as a substrate to be coated by cationic
electrocoating can be formed as desired, but a phosphate film formed on a zinc-based
surface is significantly inferior to that formed on the iron-based surface.
[0006] There has been developed a composition and process to solve the above-mentioned problems
which occur on zinc-based surfaces in components which include both an iron-based
surface and a zinc-based surface. This is the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent
Publication (unexamined) No. 152472/1982 (laid-open to the public on September 20,
1982). That Publication discloses dipping the metal surface in an acidic aqueous phosphate
solution comprising from 0.5 to 1.5 g/l of zinc ion, from 5 to 30 g/l of phosphate
ion, from 0.6 to 3 g.l of manganese ion and a phosphating accelerator.
[0007] However, in the zinc phosphate treatment of galvanized steel, there often results
an abnormal coating with white spots, each spot having a diameter of from 1 mm to
2 mm. This is particularly true with an electroplated galvanized steel and especially
in the dip treatment thereof. These white spots will cause craters in subsequent treatment,
thereby resulting in inferior coatings. The mechanism by which white spots are formed
is believed to be as follows: In a first stage, there appear many pits, at the edge
portions of which the galvanized layer is gradually dissolved in the form of concentric
circles through an excessive etching reaction. As the growth of each pit continues,
zinc phosphate is precipitated in the centre portion thereof. However, at the peripheral
portions, the ion surface is exposed, which forms a galvanic cell with the zinc metal,
thereby continuing the dissolution of the zinc.
[0008] As a consequence, an excess quantity of zinc phosphate crystals are precipitated
and accumulate as "snow" at the peripheral portions of the spots, which can readily
be observed by the naked eye.
[0009] Unfortunately, no solution to this problem has been found heretofor to consistently
avoid the formation of such white spots.
[0010] It is the aim of the present invention to provide a solution for phosphating, especially
as a substrate treatment under cationic electrocoating, so as to form excellent phosphate
films capable of providing excellent adhesion and corrosion-resistance, especially
to coatings from cationic electrocoating, on a variety of metal surfaces which include
an iron-based surface, a zinc-based surface, and/or an aluminium-based surface even
by treatment at low-temperature, and even on an article possibly having different
metal surfaces and/or complicated shape such as a car body ... and above all to provide
an acidic aqueous phosphate solution which will not cause any white spots or at least
any significant white spots on galvanized steel even in the dip treatment thereof.
[0011] We have found that phosphating compositions which are chlorate-free or at least substantially
chlorate-free and which have a chloride ion level below 0.5 g/l provide excellent
phosphate-coatings on iron, zinc, and aluminium-based surfaces, without the formation
of deleterious white spots. It is important to the beneficial results of the present
invention that the chloride ion level be consistently maintained below 0.5 g/l, which
means that not only the chloride ion itself, but also the chlorate ion should not
be added to the phosphating compositions, since the chlorate ion will be reduced to
the chloride ion as the phosphating composition is used.
[0012] According to the present invention there is provided an acidic aqueous phosphate
solution for use in a process for phosphating a metal surface, said solution containing
at most 0.2 g/l and preferably no chlorate ion as well as the smallest practical concentration
never exceeding 0.5 g/l of chloride ion, said solution otherwise containing:
a) from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l of zinc ion,
b) from 5 to 50 g/l of phosphate ion,
c) from at least 0.8 to 4 g/l of manganese ion,
d) at least 0.05 g/l of a fluoride ion, and
e) at least one of the following phosphating accelerators in the following concentrations:
i) from 0.01 to 0.2 g/l of nitrite ion,
ii) from 1 to 15 g/l of nitrate ion,
iii) from 0.5 to 5 g/l of hydrogen peroxide (based on 100% H₂O₂),
iv) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitro-benzenesulfonate ion,
v) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitro-benzoate ion, and
vi) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of p-nitrophenol.
[0013] As indicated above, the metal surfaces treated in accordance with the present invention
include iron-based surfaces, zinc-based surfaces, aluminum-based surfaces, and their
respective alloy-based surfaces. These metal surfaces can be treated either separately
or in combination. The advantage of the present invention is most prominently exhibited
when the treatment is carried out on metal surfaces which include both an iron-based
surface and a zinc-based surface, as for example in a car body. Examples of zinc-based
surfaces include galvanized steel plate, galvanealed steel plate, electrogalvanized
steel plate, electro zinc-alloy plated steel plate, complex electrogalvanized steel
plate, electro zinc-alloy plated steel plate, complex electrogalvanized steel plate,
etc.
[0014] When the content of the zinc ion in the above acidic phosphate solution is less than
about 0.1 g/l, an even phosphate film is not formed on the iron-based surfaces. When
the zinc ion content exceeds about 1.5 g/l, then on both iron-based and zinc-based
surfaces continuing formation of the phosphate film occurs, causing a build-up of
said film, with the result that the film shows a decrease in adhesion and becomes
unsuitable as a substrate for cationic electrocoating.
[0015] When the content of phosphate ion in the above solution is less than about 5 g/l,
an uneven phosphate film is apt to be formed. When the phosphate ion content is more
than 50 g/l, no further benefits result, and it is therefore economically disadvantageous
to use additional quantities of phosphate chemicals.
[0016] As the content of manganese ion is reduced the manganese content in the phosphate
film formed on zinc-based surfaces becomes smaller - and indeed it may be noted that
at less than 0.2 g/l the adhesion between the substrate and the coating after the
cationic electrocoating becomes insufficient. When the manganese ion is present in
an amount of more than 4 g/l, no further beneficial effects are obtained for the coating,
and the solution forms excessive precipitates, making it impossible to obtain a stable
solution.
[0017] The manganese content in the phosphate film formed on the metal substrates should
be in the range of from about 1 to about 20% by weight, based on the weight of the
film, in order to have a phosphate film which exhibits the performance requirements
for cationic electrocoating.
[0018] The content of manganese in the phosphate film can be determined according to conventional
procedures. For example, a phosphated test piece [S(m²); W₁(g)] is dipped in an aqueous
solution of 5 % by weight of chromic acid at 75oC for 5 minutes to dissolve the film,
and the weight of the test piece after treatment [W₂(g)] is measured. The amount of
film [W
c)g/m²)] is obtained by calculating the formula:


. Then, the amount of manganese which dissolved into said aqueous solution of chromic
acid [A(1)] is determined by the atomic light absorption process [M(g/l)] to obtain
the total amount of the dissolved manganese

]. Using the thus obtained amount and the above film amount, the manganese content
can be calculated from the formula

.
[0019] When the amount of fluoride ion in the phosphating solution is less than 0.05 g/l,
micronization of the phosphate film, improvement of corrosion-resistance after coating,
and phosphating treatment at a reduced temperature cannot be attained. The fluoride
ion can be present in an amount above 3 g/l, but use thereof in such quantities will
not provide any greater effects than are obtainable in the range of 0.05 - 3 g/l.
Preferably, the fluoride ion is contained in the form of a complex fluoride ion, e.g.
the fluoroborate ion or the fluorosilicate ion, although the F⁻ ion itself can also
be used.
[0020] It has been found that when the chloride ion concentration in the phosphating solution
reaches or exceeds 0.5 g/l (500 ppm), there occurs an excessive etching reaction which
results in undesirable white spots on zinc surfaces. Though the presence of chlorate
ions themselves may not directly cause the development of white spots, they are gradually
changed the chloride ions and accumulate in that form in the bath liquid thereby causing
white spots as mentioned hereinabove.
[0021] Furthermore, the combination of manganese and fluoride ions has been found to be
effective for the formulation of useful phosphating solutions containing no chlorate
ions.
[0022] In the phosphating solutions of the invention it is preferable that the weight ratio
of zinc ion to phosphate be 1: (10 to 30). In this ratio an even phosphate film is
obtained which exhibits all of the performance requirements needed for cationic electrocoating.
The weight ratio of zinc ion to manganese ion is preferably 1 : (0.5 to 2). In this
ratio it is possible to obtain in an economic manner a phosphate film which contains
the required amount of manganese and which displays all of the beneficial effects
provided by the present invention.
[0023] In the phosphating solutions of the invention, it is desirable for the solutions
to have a total acidity of 10 to 50 points, a free acidity of 0.3 to 2.0 points, and
an acid ratio of 10 to 50. With the total acidity, in the above range the phosphate
film can be obtained economically, and with the free acidity in the above range the
phosphate film can be obtained evenly without excessive etching of the metal surface.
Adjustments in the solution to obtain and maintain the above points and ratio can
be achieved by use of an alkali metal hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide as required.
[0024] Sources of the ingredients of the phosphating solutions of the invention include
the following: as to the zinc ion, one can use zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc nitrate,
etc.; as to the phosphate ion, one can use phosphoric acid, zinc phosphate, zinc monohydrogen
phosphate, zinc dihydrogen phosphate, manganese phosphate, manganese monohydrogen
phosphate, manganese dihydrogen phosphate, etc.; as to the manganese ion, one can
use manganese carbonate, manganese nitrate, the above-mentioned mentioned manganese
phosphate compounds, etc.; as to the fluoride ion, one can use hydrofluoric acid,
fluoroboric acid, fluorosilicic acid, fluorotitanic acid, and their metal salts (e.g.
zinc salt, nickel salt, etc.- however the sodium salt is excluded as it does not produce
the desired effect); and as to the phosphating accelerator, one can use sodium nitrite,
ammonium nitrite, sodium m-nitrobenzenesulfonate, sodium m-nitrobenzoate, aqueous
hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, zinc nitrate, manganese nitrate, nickel nitrate, etc..
[0025] The phosphating solutions of the invention can further contain, as an optional ingredient,
nickel ion. The content of the nickel ion should be from 0.1 to 4 g/l, preferably
from 0.3 to 2 g/l. When nickel ion is present with the manganese ion, performance
of the resulting phosphate film is further improved, i.e. the adhesion and corrosion-resistance
of the coating obtained after cationic electrocoating are further improved. In phosphating
solutions containing nickel ion, the weight ratio of zinc ion to the sum of the manganese
ion and the nickel ion is desirably 1 : (0.5 to 5.0), preferably 1 : (0.8 to 2.5).
The supply source of nickel ion can be for example nickel carbonate, nickel nitrate,
nickel phosphate, etc..
[0026] The phosphate film formed by the solutions of the present invention is a zinc phosphate-type
film. Such films formed on iron based metal surfaces contain from about 25 to about
40 wt. % of zinc, from about 3 to about 11 wt. % of iron, from about 1 to about 20
wt. % of manganese, and from 0 to about 4 wt. % of nickel.
[0027] The phosphating solutions of the invention can be used to phosphate metal surfaces
by spray treatment, dip treatment, or by a combination of such treatments. Spray treatment
can usually be effected by spraying for 5 or more seconds in order to form an adequate
phosphate film which exhibits the desired performance characteristics. Spray treatment
can be conveniently carried out using a cycle comprising first a spray treatment for
about 5 to about 30 seconds, followed by discontinuing the treatment for about 5 to
30 seconds, and then spray treating again for at least 5 seconds, with a total spray
treatment time of at least 40 seconds. This cycle can be carried out once, twice or
three times.
[0028] Dip treatment is usually more to be preferred than spray treatment in the process
of the present invention. In order to form an adequate phosphate film which exhibits
the desired performance characteristics, the dip treatment is usually effected for
at least 15 seconds, preferably for about 30 to about 120 seconds. Also, treatment
can be carried out by first dip treating for at least 15 seconds and then spray treating
for at least 2 seconds. Alternatively, the treatment can be effected by first spray
treating for at least 5 seconds, and then dip treating for at least 15 seconds. The
former combination of first dip treating and then spray treating is especially advantageous
for articles having complicated shapes like a car body. For such articles, it is preferable
to first carry out a dip treatment for from 30 to 90 seconds, and then carry out the
spray treatment for from 5 to 45 seconds. In this process, it is advantageous to effect
the spray treatment for as long a time as possible within the limitations of the automotive
production line, in order to remove the sludge which adheres to the article during
the dip treatment stage.
[0029] In the present process, the treating temperature can be from 30 to 70°C, preferably
from 35 to 60°C. This temperature range is approximately 10 to 15°C lower than that
which is used in the prior art processes. Treating temperatures below 30°C should
not be used due to an unacceptable increase in the time required to produce an acceptable
coating. Conversely, when the treating temperature is too high, the phosphating accelerator
is decomposed and excess precipitate is formed causing the components in the solution
to become unbalanced and making it difficult to obtain satisfactory phosphate films.
[0030] In spray treatments, a convenient spray pressure is from 0.6 to 2 Kg/cm²G.
[0031] As described above, a preferred mode of treatment in using the solutions of the present
invention is a dip treatment or a combined treatment using a dip treatment first and
then a spray treatment.
[0032] An advantageous procedure for treating metal surfaces using a series of pre-coating
treatment procedures followed by phosphating with the solutions of the present invention
is as follows:
A metal surface is first subjected to a spray treatment and/or a dip treatment
with an alkaline degreasing agent at a temperature of 50 to 60°C for 2 minutes; followed
by washing with tap water; spray treatment and/or dip treatment with a surface conditioner
at room temperature for 10 to 30 seconds; dip treatment with the solution of the present
invention at a temperature of about 30 to about 70°C for at least 15 seconds; and
washing with tap water and then with deionized water, in that order. Thereafter, it
is desirable to after-treat with an acidulated rinse common to the industry such as
a dilute chromate solution. This after-treatment is preferably adopted even when phosphating
is carried out by spray treatment or by a combined treatment comprising a spray treatment,
followed by a dip treatment. By introducing this after-treatment, a phosphate film
which gives greater corrosion-resistance to a siccative coating can be obtained.
[0033] When carrying out the dip treatment or the dip treatment followed by spray treatment,
which is the preferred treating method of the present invention, it is advantageous
to use an acidic aqueous phosphate solution of the present invention comprising:
a') from 0.5 to 1.5 g/l, preferably from 0.7 to 1.2 g/l, of zinc ion,
b') from 30 g/l, preferably from 10 to 20 g/l, of phosphate ion,
c') from 0.8 to 3 g/l, preferably from 0.8 to 2 g/l, of manganese ion,
d') at least 0.05 g/l, preferably from 0.1 to 2 g/l, of a fluoride ion,
e') less than 0.5 g/l of chloride ion, and
f') a phosphating accelerator in a quantity given above
(hereinafter referred to as the "dipping solution").
[0034] When using the above dipping solution of the invention in the process of the invention
on a metal surface, especially a metal surface which includes both an iron-based surface
and a zinc-based surface, there is formed thereon in an economic manner a fine, even
and dense phosphate film which provides excellent adhesion and corrosion-resistance
to coatings formed by cationic electrocoating, and which is substantially free of
white spots.
[0035] Concentrated aqueous compositions are employed for formulating the acidic aqueous
phosphate solutions of the present invention. The acidic aqueous treating solutions
are conveniently prepared by diluting an aqueous concentrate which contains a number
of the solution ingredients in proper weight ratios, and then adding other ingredients
as needed to prepare the treating solutions of the invention.
[0036] The concentrates are advantageously formulated to contain zinc ion, phosphate ion,
manganese ion, fluoride ion, and optionally nickel ion, in a weight proportion of
0.1 to 2 : 5 to 50 : 0.8 to 4 : at least 0.05 : 0.1 to 4. The concentrates preferably
contain a weight proportion of the above ingredients of
0.5 to 1.5 : 10 to 30 : 0.8 to 3 : 0.1 to 3 : 0.3 to 2.
[0037] The concentrates are preferably formulated to contain at least about 25 g/l, more
preferably from about 50 g/l to 130 g/l of zinc ion. However, care must be taken in
forming the concentrates. For example, when manganese ion and complex fluoride ion
are present together in a concentrate with sodium ion, a precipitate is formed. Also,
it is not advisable to add any phosphating accelerator to the concentrate, since the
accelerators tend to decompose and cause other problems.
[0038] As an example of a useful concentrated aqueous composition, there is formulated a
concentrated composition comprising 3.0 wt. % of zinc oxide, 1.8 wt. % of nickel carbonate
(II), 48.2 wt. % of 75 % phosphoric acid, 10.0 wt. % of manganese nitrate (II) hydrate
(20 wt. % manganese content), 7.9 wt. % of 40 % fluorosilicic acid, and 29.1 wt. %
of water. This concentrate is then diluted with water to 2.5 vol. %, followed by the
addition of an aqueous solution of 20 % sodium nitrite to give an acidic phosphating
solution of the invention.
[0039] In order that the invention may be well understood, it will now be further described
in the practical and preferred embodiments thereof which are illustratively shown
in the following Examples and Comparative Examples. It is to be understood, however,
that the present invention is not limited to these Examples.
Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3:
[0040]
(1) Metal to be subjected to treatment
Electrogalvanized steel plate
(2) Acidic aqueous phosphate solution
The compositions show in Table 1 were used
(3) Treating process:
The surfaces of the above metal were simultaneously treated in accordance with
the following processes:
Degreasing, water washing, surface conditioning, phosphating, water washing, pure
water washing, drying, coating.
(4) Treating Conditions:
(a) Degreasing
Using an alkaline degreasing agent ("RIDOLINE SD200" made by Nippon Paint Co.,
2 wt. % concentration), spray treatment was carried out at 60°C for 1 minute, followed
by dip treatment for 2 minutes
(b) Washing with water:
Using tap water, washing was carried out at room temperature for 15 seconds.
(c) Surface conditioning:
Using a surface conditioning agent ("FIXODINE 5N-5" made by Nippon Paint Co., 0.1
wt. % concentration), dip treatment was made at room temperature for 15 seconds.
(d) Phosphating:
Using the above acidic aqueous phosphate solution, dip treatment was carried out
at 52°C for 120 seconds
(e) Water washing:
Using tap water, washing was carried out at room temperature for 15 seconds.
(f) Pure water washing:
Using deionized water, dip treatment was effected at room temperature for 15 seconds.
(g) Drying was carried out with hot blown air at 100°C for 10 minutes.
The appearance of each phosphated plate thus obtained and the weight of the phospate
film thereof were determined.
(h) Coating:
A cationic electrocoating composition ("POWER TOP U-30 Dark Grey" made by Nippon
Paint Co.) was coated to a film thickness of 20µ (voltage 180 V, electricity applying
time 3 minutes), and the surface was baked at 180°C for 30 minutes. A number of each
of the resulting electrocoated plates were used for the brine spray test.
The remaining non-tested electrocoated plates were coated with an intermediate coating
composition ("ORGA T0778 Grey" made by Nippon Paint Co.) to a film thickness of 30µ
then with a top coating composition ("ORGA T0626 Margaret White" made by Nippon Paint
Co.) to a film thickness of 40µ to obtain coated plates having a total of 3-coatings
and 3-bakings, which were then used for the adhesion test and the spot rust test.
(5) Test results:
The results are shown in Table 2. Each test method is shown below.
(a) Brine spray test (JIS-Z-2871):
Cross cuts were made on the electrocoated plate, on which 5 % brine spraying was
carried out for 500 hours (zinc-plated steel plate) or 1,000 hours (cold rolled steel
plate).
(b) Adhesion test:
The coated plate was dipped in deionized water at 50°C for 10 days, after which
it was provided with grids (100 squares each) made at 1mm intervals and at 2mm intervals
using a sharp cutter. To each surface of the thus treated plate, an adhesive tape
was applied, after which it was peeled off and the number of the remaining coated
squares on the coated plate was counted.
(c) White spot test:
Presence of white spots was examined by visual observation
O... no white spot X... white spots
Additionally, a scanning electron microscopic photograph confirmed the presence
of white spot of phosphate film on electro galvanized steel plate.

[0041] As can be seen from the above Table 2, use of the solutions composed as in the examples
according to the invention produces commercially highly acceptable phosphate coatings,
while using solution composed as in the comparative examples (in which the chloride
ion level is over 0.5 g/l) produces commercially unsatisfactory coatings. It should
be noted that while Example 1 contained a small quantity of chlorate ion (0.2 g/l)
which did not deleteriously affect the results obtained using the fresh bath, it is
not recommended that the composition of Example 1 be employed commercially since maintaining
even this low chlorate level in the bath as the bath continues to be used will eventually
result in the reduction of sufficient chlorate ion to elevate the chloride ion above
0.5 g/l.
[0042] The present solution contains not more than about 0.2 g/l of chlorate ion. It is
especially preferred that the solution contains no chlorate.
[0043] The present invention is advantageous in avoiding white spots, especially on galvanized
steel, particularly when the phosphating treatment comprises dipping.
[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the present solution contains at least about 1.05
g/l, especially at least about 1.1 g/l of zinc ion, for instance from about 1.05 to
about 1.5 g/l of zinc ion, especially when the phosphating treatment comprises dipping.
[0045] In another advantageous embodiment, the solution contains at least about 15 g/l of
phosphate ion, for instance from about 15 to about 50 g/l, especially from about 15
to about 30 g/l, of phosphate ion.
[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the solution contains more than about 4.0 g/l,
especially more than about 5 g/l, of nitrate ion. Thus, the solution may contain from
about 5 to about 15 g/l, especially from about 5 to about 10 g/l, on nitrate ion.
[0047] In a yet further advantageous embodiment, the solution contains from about 0.3 g/l,
especially more than about 0.4 g/l, of nickel ion. Thus the solution may contain from
about 0.4 to about 4 g/l, especially from about 0.4 to about 2 g/l, of nickel ion.
[0048] These advantageous embodiments are especially advantageous for the avoidance of white
spots and the provision of other advantageous properties to the phosphate surface.
[0049] When a solution is stated herein to comprise specified ingredients, in a preferred
embodiment it consists essentially of these ingredients.
[0050] However the fluoride ion is provided, it is measured herein in terms of F ion.
1. An acidic aqueous phosphate solution, for use in phosphating a metal surface, said
solution containing at most 0.2 g/l and preferably no chlorate ion as well as the
smallest practical concentration of chloride ion never exceeding 0.5 g/l thereof,
said solution otherwise containing:
a) from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l of zinc ion,
b) from 5 to 50 g/l of phosphate ion,
c) from at least 0.8 to 4 g/l of manganese ion,
d) at least 0.05 g/l of a fluoride ion, and
e) at least one of the following phosphating accelerators in the following concentrations:
i) from 0.01 to 0.2 g/l of nitrite ion,
ii) from 1 to 15 g/l of nitrate ion,
iii) from 0.5 to 5 g/l of hydrogen peroxide (based on 100% H₂O₂),
iv) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitro-benzenesulfonate ion,
v) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitro-benzoate ion, and
vi) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of p-nitrophenol.
2. A solution according to claim 1, which comprises from 0.5 to 1.4 g/l of zinc ion.
3. A solution according to claim 2, which comprises from 0.7 to 1.2 g/l of zinc ion.
4. A solution according to any of claims 1 to 3, which comprises from 5 to 30 g/l of
phosphate ion.
5. A solution according to claim 4, which comprises at least 10 g/l of phosphate ion.
6. A solution according to claim 5, which comprises from 10 to 20 g/l of phosphate ion.
7. A solution according to any of claims 1 to 3 which comprises from 15 to 50 g/l of
phosphate ion.
8. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 0.8 to 3
g/l of manganese ion.
9. A solution according to claim 8, which comprises 0.8 to 2 g/l of manganese ion.
10. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, in which the solution comprises
from 0.1 to 3 g/l of fluoride ion.
11. A solution according to claim 10, which comprises from 0.1 to 2 g/l of fluoride ion.
12. A solution according to any ofthe preceding claims, which comprises from 1 to 10 g/l
of nitrate ion.
13. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more of
the following accelerators in the following amounts:
i) from 0.04 to 0.15 g/l of nitrite ion,
ii) from 2 to 8 g/l of nitrate ion,
iii) from 1 to 1.5 g/l of hydrogen peroxide (based on 100% H₂O₂),
iv) from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l of m-nitrobenzenesulfonate ion;
v) from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l of m-nitrobenzoate ion; and
vi) from 0.1 to 1.5 g/l of p-nitrophenol.
14. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises:
a) from 0.7 to 1.2 g/l of zinc ion,
b) from 10 to 20 g/l of phosphate ion,
c) from 0.8 to 2 g/l of manganese ion, and
d) from 0.1 to 2 g/l of a fluoride ion.
15. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 0.4 to 4
g/l of nickel ion.
16. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 5 to 15
g/l of nitrate ion.
17. A solution according to any of claims 1 to 15, which comprises from 1 to 10 g/l of
nitrate ion.
18. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 1.05 to
1.5 g/l of zinc ion.
19. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 15 to 50
g/l of phosphate ion.
20. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, especially adapted for the dip
treatment of metal surfaces, which comprises:
a) from 0.5 to 1.4 g/l of zinc ion,
b) from 5 to 30 g/l of phosphate ion,
c) from at least 0.8 to 3 g/l of manganese ion,
d) at least 0.05 g/l of a fluoride ion, and
e) at least one of the following phosphating accelerators in the following concentrations:
i) from 0.01 to 0.2 g/l of nitrite ion,
ii) from 1 to 10 g/l of nitrate ion,
iii) from 0.5 to 5 g/l of hydrogen peroxide (based on 100% H₂O₂),
iv) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of m-nitro-benzenesulfonate ion,
v) from 0.05 to 2g/l of m-nitro-benzoate ion, and
vi) from 0.05 to 2 g/l of p-nitrophenol.
21. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises:
a) from 0.7 to 1.2 g/l of zinc ion,
b) from 10 to 20 g/l of phosphate ion,
c) from 0.8 to 2 g/l of manganese ion, and
d) from 0.1 to 2 g/l of a fluoride ion.
22. A solution according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 0.4 to 4
g/l of nickel ion.
1. Saure wäßrige Phosphat-Lösung zur Verwendung bei der Phosphatierung einer Metall-Oberfläche,
wobei die Lösung höchstens 0,2 g/l und vorzugsweise überhaupt keine Chlorat-Ionen
sowie die geringste praktische Konzentration an Chlorid-Ionen, jedoch keinesfalls
mehr als 0,5 g/l derselben, enthält, wobei die Lösung im übrigen enthält:
a) 0,1 bis 1,5 g/l Zink-Ionen,
b) 5 bis 50 g/l Phosphat-Ionen,
c) wenigstens 0,8 bis 4 g/l Mangan-Ionen,
d) wenigstens 0,05 g/l Fluorid-Ionen und
e) wenigstens einen der folgenden Phosphatierungs-Beschleuniger in den folgenden Konzentrationen:
i) 0,01 bis 0,2 g/l Nitrit-Ionen,
ii) 1 bis 15 g/l Nitrat-Ionen,
iii) 0,5 bis 5 g/l Hydrogenperoxid (bezogen auf 100 % H₂O₂),
iv) 0,05 bis 2 g/l m-Nitrobenzolsulfonat-Ionen,
v) 0,05 bis 2 g/l m-Nitrobenzoat-Ionen und
vi) 0,05 bis 2 g/l p-Nitrophenol.
2. Lösung nach Anspruch 1, die 0,5 bis 1,4 g/l Zink-Ionen umfaßt.
3. Lösung nach Anspruch 2, die 0,7 bis 1,2 g/l Zink-Ionen umfaßt.
4. Lösung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, die 5 bis 30 g/l Phosphat-Ionen umfaßt.
5. Lösung nach Anspruch 4, die wenigstens 10 g/l Phosphat-Ionen umfaßt.
6. Lösung nach Anspruch 5, die 10 bis 20 g/l Phosphat-Ionen umfaßt.
7. Lösung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, die 15 bis 50 g/l Phosphat-Ionen umfaßt.
8. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 0,8 bis 3 g/l Mangan-Ionen
umfaßt.
9. Lösung nach Anspruch 8, die 0,8 bis 2 g/l Mangan-Ionen umfaßt.
10. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, worin die Lösung 0,1 bis 3 g/l
Fluorid-Ionen umfaßt.
11. Lösung nach Anspruch 10, die 0,1 bis 2 g/l Fluorid-Ionen umfaßt.
12. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 1 bis 10 g/l Nitrat-Ionen
umfaßt.
13. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die einen oder mehrere der folgenden
Beschleuniger in den folgenden Konzentrationen umfaßt:
i) 0,04 bis 0,15 g/l Nitrit-Ionen,
ii) 2 bis 8 g/l Nitrat-Ionen,
iii) 1 bis 1,5 g/l Hydrogenperoxid (bezogen auf 100 % H₂O₂),
iv) 0,1 bis 1,5 g/l m-Nitrobenzolsulfonat-Ionen,
v) 0,1 bis 1,5 g/l m-Nitrobenzoat-Ionen und
vi) 0,1 bis 1,5 g/l p-Nitrophenol.
14. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die
a) 0,7 bis 1,2 g/l Zink-Ionen,
b) 10 bis 20 g/l Phosphat-Ionen,
c) 0,8 bis 2 g/l Mangan-Ionen und
d) 0,1 bis 2 g/l Fluorid-Ionen
umfaßt.
15. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 0,4 bis 4 g/l Nickel-Ionen
umfaßt.
16. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 5 bis 15 g/l Nitrat-Ionen
umfaßt.
17. Lösung nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, die 1 bis 10 g/l Nitrat-Ionen umfaßt.
18. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 1,05 bis 1,5 g/l Zink-Ionen
umfaßt.
19. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 15 bis 50 g/l Phosphat-Ionen
umfaßt.
20. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die insbesondere für die Tauchbehandlung
von Metall-Oberflächen eingerichtet ist, umfassend
a) 0,5 bis 1,4 g/l Zink-Ionen,
b) 5 bis 30 g/l Phosphat-Ionen,
c) wenigstens 0,8 bis 3 g/l Mangan-Ionen,
d) wenigstens 0,05 g/l Fluorid-Ionen und
e) wenigstens einen der folgenden Phosphatierungs-Beschleuniger in den folgenden Konzentrationen:
i) 0,01 bis 0,2 g/l Nitrit-Ionen,
ii) 1 bis 10 g/l Nitrat-Ionen,
iii) 0,5 bis 5 g/l Hydrogenperoxid (bezogen auf 100 % H₂O₂),
iv) 0,05 bis 2 g/l m-Nitrobenzolsulfonat-Ionen,
v) 0,05 bis 2 g/l m-Nitrobenzoat-Ionen und
vi) 0,05 bis 2 g/l p-Nitrophenol.
21. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die
a) 0,7 bis 1,2 g/l Zink-Ionen,
b) 10 bis 20 g/l Phosphat-Ionen,
c) 0,8 bis 2 g/l Mangan-Ionen und
d) 0,1 bis 2 g/l Fluorid-Ionen
umfaßt.
22. Lösung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die 0,4 bis 4 g/l Nickel-Ionen
umfaßt.
1. Solution aqueuse acide pour la phosphatation d'une surface métallique, ladite solution
contenant au plus 0,2 g/l et de préférence aucun ion chlorate ainsi que la plus petite
concentration pratique d'ion chlorure n'excédant jamais 0,5 g/l, cette solution comprenant
de plus :
a) de 0,1 à 1,5 g/l d'ion zinc,
b) de 5 à 50 g/l d'ion phosphate,
c) d'au moins 0,8 à 4 g/l d'ion manganèse,
d) au moins 0,05 g/l d'un ion fluorure, et
e) au moins l'un des accélérateurs de phosphatage suivant dans les concentrations
suivantes :
i) de 0,01 à 0,2 g/l d'ion nitrite,
ii) de 1 à 15 g/l d'ion nitrate,
iii)de 0,5 à 5 g/l de peroxyde d'hydrogène (basé sur 100 % d'H₂O₂),
iv) de 0,05 à 2 g/l d'ion m-nitro-benzènesulfonate,
v) de 0,05 à 2 g/l d'ion m-nitro-benzoate, et
vi) de 0,05 à 2 g/l de p-nitrophénol.
2. Solution selon la revendication 1, qui comprend de 0,5 à 1,4 g/l d'ion zinc.
3. Solution selon la revendication 2, qui comprend de 0,7 à 1,2 g/l d'ion zinc.
4. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, qui comprend de 5 à 30 g/l
d'ion phosphate.
5. Solution selon la revendication 4, qui comprend au moins 10 g/l d'ion phosphate.
6. Solution selon la revendication 5, qui comprend de 10 à 20 g/l d'ion phosphate.
7. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, qui comprend de 15 à 50
g/l d'ion phosphate.
8. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 0,8
à 3 g/l d'ion manganèse.
9. Solution selon la revendication 8, qui comprend 0,8 à 2 g/l d'ion manganèse.
10. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la solution
comprend de 0,1 à 3 g/l d'ion fluorure.
11. Solution selon la revendication 10, qui comprend de 0,1 à 2 g/l d'ion fluorure.
12. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 1
à 10 g/l d'ion nitrate.
13. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend un ou
plusieurs des accélérateurs suivants dans les quantités suivantes :
i) de 0,04 à 0,15 g/l d'ion nitrite,
ii) de 2 à 8 g/l d'ion nitrate,
iii) de 1 à 1,5 g/l de peroxyde d'hydrogène (basé sur 100 % d'H₂O₂),
iv) de 0,1 à 1,5 g/l d'ion m-nitro-benzènesulfonate,
v) de 0,1 à 1,5 g/l d'ion m-nitrobenzoate, et
vi) de 0,1 à 1,5 g/l de p-nitrophénol.
14. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend :
a) de 0,7 à 1,2 g/l d'ion zinc,
b) de 10 à 20 g/l d'ion phosphate,
c) de 0,8 à 2 g/l d'ion manganèse, et
d) de 0,1 à 2 g/l d'un ion fluorure.
15. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 0,4
à 4 g/l d'ion nickel.
16. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 5
à 15 g/l d'ion nitrate.
17. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, qui comprend de 1 à 10
g/l d'ion nitrate.
18. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 1,05
à 1,5 g/l d'ion zinc.
19. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 15
à 50 g/l d'ion phosphate.
20. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, spécialement adaptée
pour le traitement par immersion des surfaces métalliques, qui comprend :
a) de 0,5 à 1,4 g/l d'ion zinc,
b) de 5 à 30 g/l d'ion phosphate,
c) d'au moins 0,8 à 3 g/l d'ion manganèse,
d) d'au moins 0,05 g/l d'un ion fluorure, et
e) au moins l'un des accélérateurs de phosphatage suivants dans les concentrations
suivantes :
i) de 0,01 à 0,2 g/l d'ion nitrite,
ii) de 1 à 10 g/l d'ion nitrate,
iii) de 0,5 à 5 g/l de peroxyde d'hydrogène (basé sur 100 % d'H₂O₂),
iv) de 0,05 à 2 g/l d'ion m-nitro-benzènesulfonate,
v) de 0,05 à 2 g/l d'ion m-nitro-benzoate, et
vi) de 0,05 à 2 g/l de p-nitrophénol.
21. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend :
a) de 0,7 à 1,2 g/l d'ion zinc,
b) de 10 à 20 g/l d'ion phosphate,
c) de 0,8 à 2 g/l d'ion manganèse, et
d) de 0,1 à 2 g/l d'un ion fluorure.
22. Solution selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend de 0,4
à 4 g/l d'ion nickel.