Sustainable Pre-treatment Processes for Painting, Powder Coating and Enamelling

摘要

Preparing metals for subsequent organic finishing or enamelling is an integral step in any successful coating operation. Over the last decade various industries have evaluated and implemented new metal pre-treatment technologies at the highest rate in history. High temperature, non-biodegradable cleaners containing Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE's) and phosphate have been decreasing in popularity. Conversion coatings comprised of zinc phosphate and/or chromium-based are also following a similar downward trend in popularity. Regulations, energy consumption, running costs, production yield and coating performance are all factors driving this trend. This paper details the pertinent evaluation methods, implementation and sustainability topics for degreasing and conversion coating technologies which are revolutionising the organic and enamed coating industries.