Aluminum coatings corrosion resistance

Electroless nickel coatings can be easily soldered and are used in electronic applications to facilitate soldering of light metals such as aluminum. Electroless nickel is often used as a barrier coating to be effective, the deposit must be free of pores and defects. In the as-deposited amorphous state, the coating corrosion resistance is excellent (Table 12), and in many environments is superior to that of pure nickel or chromium alloys. However, after heat treatment the corrosion resistance can deteriorate. 

Aluminum containers are recommended for many appHcations because of the very hard, corrosion-resistant oxide coating. They are deficient in only one respect once the protective skin has been penetrated, aluminum corrosion accelerates. 

Nickel-based aUoys have superior corrosion resistance to Hon-based aUoys. The only aUoys recommended for hot hydrochloric acid use are Ni—Mo aUoys containing 60—70% Ni and 25—33% Mo. Chlorimet (63 Ni, 32 Mo, 3 Fe) and HasteUoy (60 Ni, 28 Mo, 6 Fe) are found to be stable at aU acid concentrations in the absence of aH and Hon chlorides. Electroless nickel, a Ni—P aUoy containing 2—10% P, shows exceUent resistance to hot hydrogen chloride (71). The corrosion resistance increases with phosphoms content. This coating can be deposited on cast Hon, wrought Hon, mild steel, stainless steels, brass, bron2e, and aluminum (qv). 

Dichromates and chromic acid are used as sealers or after-dips to improve the corrosion resistance of various coatings on metals. Eor example, phosphate coatings on galvani2ed iron or steel as well as sulfuric acid anodic coatings on aluminum can be sealed by hexavalent chromium baths. 

Electroless nickel or nickel—lead alloys can improve the solderabiUty and braisabiUty of aluminum even when a continuous film is not present. Electroless nickel systems based on dimethylaminehorane reduciag agents are used to coat aluminum contacts and semiconductors (qv) ia the electronics iadustry. Newer uses iaclude corrosion-resistant electroless nickel topcoatings on electroless copper plating for radio frequency... 

The resistance of a metal to erosion-corrosion is based principally on the tenacity of the coating of corrosion products it forms in the environment to which it is exposed. Zinc (brasses), aluminum (aluminum brass), and nickel (cupronickel) alloyed with copper increase the coating s tenacity. An addition of V2 to 1)4% iron to cupronickel can greatly increase its erosion-corrosion resistance for the same reason. Similarly, chromium added to iron-base alloys and molybdenum added to austenitic stainless steels will increase resistance to erosion-corrosion. 

Recently in some types of refuelling stations, corrosion-resistant materials have been used between the filter-water separator and the outlet pipeline and valves, usually stainless steel, rarely aluminum. If these are buried, they must have good insulating coating and be electrically separated from other tank installations by insulating couplings. 

Although transformers suitable for other industrial installations are generally suitable for producing applications, certain options may be desirable— primarily due to environmental considerations. At locations subject to harsh environmental conditions, and particularly at locations subject to washdown with high-pressure hoses, non-ventilated enclosures are desirable, if not necessary. Likewise, at locations subjected to salt water and salt-laden air, it often is desirable to specify copper windings and lead wires. Most manufacturers provide standard units with aluminum windings and lead wires. Even if aluminum coils are used, it is almost always desirable to require stranded copper lead wires. This will lessen corrosion and loose terminal problems when transformers arc interconnected to the facility electrical system with copper conductors. If the transformers are to be installed outdoors in corrosive environments, cases should be of corrosion-resistant material (e.g., stainless steel) or be provided with an exterior coating suitable for the location. 

Zinc silicate This material has good corrosion resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 540°C, particularly when over-coated with silicone-based aluminum. The zinc silicate requires a high standard of surface preparation before application. 

The Alclad alloys have been developed to overcome this shortcoming. Alclad consists of a pure aluminum layer metallurgically bonded to a core alloy. The corrosion resistance of aluminum and its alloys tends to be very sensitive to trace contamination. Very small amounts of metallic mercury, heavy-metal ions, or chloride ions can frequently cause rapid failure under conditions which otherwise would be fully acceptable. When alloy steels do not give adequate corrosion protection—particularly from sulfidic attack—steel with an aluminized surface coating can be used. 

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