Cost-saving surface finishing technology

New generation of passivations for zinc-plated steel coil
BASF presents a completely new generation of passivations for metal surfaces, especially zinc-plated steel coil. “There are no toxicological problems with the Lugalvan® Passivation product range because, unlike other products on the market, they work without heavy metals”, explained Dr. Helmut Witteler, Head of Development Metal Surface Treatment at BASF. “We have achieved a technological breakthrough because, as well as protecting the substrate from corrosion, these films also have the ability to repair themselves. Previously, this was only possible with toxic chromates”. Damage to the passivating layer, such as occurs during cold working, repairs itself, and the result is that Lugalvan® Passivation products give rise to a large increase in the corrosion resistance of uncoated metal surfaces.

New primer for aluminium For one of its well-established products BASF has identified premiering of aluminium as new application. As BASF chemist Dr. Witteler explained, “Metal finishers can use our Lugalvan® FDC copolymer to reduce their manufacturing costs, because the aluminium does not have to be degreased before our product is applied and the surface can then be painted if necessary. Lugalvan® FDC acts as a transparent passivating film and as an adhesion promoter. In many applications there is no longer any need for intensive precleaning and repeated rinsing as in conventional passivation processes. The BASF copolymer enables processes to be simplified and substantial cost savings can be achived”. The use of Lugalvan® FDC as transparent sealer coatings applied to galvanized steel and aluminium is already well established.

Lutropur® MSA – Very pure methanesulfonic acid from BASF Increasing quantities of Lutropur® MSA, the very pure methanesulfonic acid supplied by BASF, are being employed in many different types of electroplating baths, such as in the manufacture of tinplate cans. “Experience has shown that this high-quality acid improves the productivity of tin plating processes. Electrolytes based on methanesulfonic acid are gradually displacing the older, less environmentally friendly formulations in the production of tinplate”, said Dr. Witteler. This acid will also play a key role in future in all electrolytic processes for applying lead-free alloy solder in the electronics and automobile industries, and world-wide demand will again increase in 2005 as the current processes are superseded. Methanesulfonic acid is marketed worldwide by BASF under the Lutropur® MSA trademark in various different grades through to a very pure electronics grade. Methanesulfonic acid is an organic acid and it is readily biodegradable. Unlike sulfuric acid, Lutropur® MSA does not cause tin, silver or copper compounds to form a sludge, and this reduces costs and saves energy.

BASF Performance Chemicals – Adding value to metals The product range of BASF’s Performance Chemicals for Detergents and Formulators business unit includes metal surface treatment products, water-soluble polymers for detergents and industrial applications, detergent additives such as colour transfer inhibitors, nonionic surfactants, polyalkylene glycols, emulsifiers, antifoams, chelating agents, polyethylene waxes, montan waxes and wax emulsions, biocides and dispersants. BASF is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of these products. www.basf.com/detergents-formulators