A chrome and phosphate-free electrolytic surface alternative to trivalent chromium that offers significant improvements in mechanical and chemical adhesion is among the new products that made their debut at Sur/Fin 2001in Nashville, a trade show and conference sponsored by the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society.
The new product, known as MTC (mineral tie coat) is manufactured by Elisha Technologies Co. LLC, Moberly, MO. Bradford Jorgensen, director of marketing, says that when compared to chromate conversion coatings, MTC offers significant advantages.
Chromate as a tie coat (zinc+chromate (hexavalent or trivalent) + topcoat) provides 1000 hours for topcoat A and 400 hours for topcoat B corrosion performance according to ASTM B-117 salt fog standards. In comparison, Jorgensen says MTC (zinc+MTC+topcoat) gives 6000-plus hours and 1200-plus hours respectively for topcoat A and B, an improvement of three to six times that of chromate.
Formed with a patented electrolytic process, MTC is based on silicate technology, considered an environmentally benign material.
According to Elisha, the new product offers metal finishers better corrosion resistance than chromate, in some cases doubling or tripling the performance of high-performance topcoats. It also offers better adhesion to a range of topcoats including solvent and water-borne. Unlike chromate, this product can withstand 350ºF with no deterioration of corrosion performance. Other advantages over chromate include better coating flexibility, better tolerance, better stress crack corrosion performance, better processing and better waste streams.
How it Works
The MTC process forms a tightly adhering mineral in place of the surface oxide. This mineral layer can replace chromate for electro or mechanical plated zinc and is good for coatings for steel, stainless steel, zinc/aluminum alloys, as well as other metal or metallized parts. According to the company, the mineral is especially effective when employed as an inorganic mineral tie coat for improving the bond between metal and organic topcoats. It can be topcoated with a range of coatings such as silane, heat-cured epoxy, carbornate, alkyds or water-based coatings.
Biodegradable Degreasers
A new line of water-soluble degreasing and cleaning products from Everstar Chemical Ltd., Burlington, ON, are biodegradable, non-flammable, non-toxic and highly efficient as well as cost effective, says the manufacturer.
Among the product line is Star 50 family of hydroxide-free degreasers. Designed for cleaning light and medium soiled surfaces such as steel, cast iron, stainless steel, glass, plastic, alloys (copper, aluminum and brass), rubber, neoprene, nylon, concrete and painted surfaces, they will remove a number of contaminants. The products don't contain distillates, acids or chlorinates, so they're safe to use and will clean most washable surfaces. They're designed for manual cleaning and degreasing, dipping tanks, low and high pressure spraying and ultrasound machines and devices.
Decorative Chrome Plating Alternative
Another company that has launched an environmentally friendly alternative to chrome plating is A Brite Co.
Known as Envirolloy ACS 94, the manufacturer says this alloy chrome substitute offers decorative chrome performance without the expense, hazards and environmental problems of decorative chrome. It gives surfaces a non-tarnishing finish that has superior salt spray performance when compared to decorative hexavalent and trivalent chrome plating solutions.
A Brite recommends it for plating over nickel an steel and says it will produce a bright stain-free chrome-like deposit. It can be used for rack or barrel applications.
The chrome alloy alternative gives platers brighter, smoother deposits that are not sensitive to momentary current interruptions. It produces a white-bright blueish colour that duplicates the appearance of decorative chrome plating baths.
For more information on these products, contact the manufacturers.

Elisha Technologies 660-269-4536, ext. 3770
www.elisha.com

Everstar Chemical Ltd. 905-319-2346
www.everstar.cz

A Brite Co. 888-822-7473
www.abrite.com