No passwords, No popups, No cost, No AI:
we earn from 'affiliate link' purchases, making the site possible

Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

  The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989

-----

Can iron be chromated?

I study chemical engineering and I'd like to know about chromate conversion coating?

Could someone tell me if it can be used on iron? In literature has been said that it is commonly used on Al, Zn, Cu, Cd etc. How about Fe?

Marianna
- Finland
2000

Nope, iron cannot be chromated.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2000

Thank you!

Is there a simple reason why iron cannot be chromated? What is the big difference between iron and other metals (that can be chromated)? Is it the reaction between metals and chromating solution or what? How is iron different?

Marianna
- Finland
2000

It's simply that iron does not react with dilute chromic acid and/or it does not generate useful reaction products. Iron phosphate or zinc phosphate are the usual conversion chemicals for iron materials because they do form useful reaction products. The chemistry of both chromate conversion products and phosphate conversion products are highly complex with numerous reactions products formed.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2000

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: