Nanoceramic coating to replace iron phosphating

A nanoceramic coating process - believed to be the world's first - is said to be far superior to, and less complicated than iron phosphating in terms of quality, ecology and economics.

Henkel has introduced a big breakthrough in surface treatment: Bonderite NT - a new surface pretreatment which is considerably more efficient, less complicated and more cost-effective than conventional iron phosphating.

This nanotechnology-based conversion coating, which is used prior to painting on metals, is free of phosphate and toxic heavy metals.

It is ultra-thin, absolutely uniform and makes production processes significantly more economical.

For about a century, iron phosphating with subsequent passivation has been the standard process for the treatment of surfaces before painting in the metal industry.

Now Henkel has launched a nanoceramic coating process - the world's first - that is far superior to iron phosphating in terms of quality, ecology and economics: Bonderite NT (NT for nanotechnology).

Bonderite NT is suitable for surface pretreatment for all conventional powder and wet paint coatings.

It can be applied by dipping or spraying and creates a cohesive, inorganic, high-density layer incorporating nanoparticles.

Measurements have shown that the nanoceramic coating delivers markedly better corrosion protection and paint adhesion than iron phosphating.

The new process offers numerous economic benefits.

Bonderite NT coatings can be applied at room temperature, so no bath heating is required which saves energy.

It is faster - the throughput time for parts being treated is only about 20s.

Moreover, Bonderite NT makes passivation unnecessary, thus eliminating an entire process step.

For the user this means cost reductions all along the line.

The new process is more environmentally friendly.

In addition to its low energy usage, it has no organic ingredients so there are no phosphates or toxic heavy metals to be disposed of, which means that far less sludge is generated in production.

Its positive environmental profile helps cut costs: wastewater treatment, waste disposal and plant cleaning and maintenance is significantly reduced.

The nanoceramic process (patent pending) was launched in the USA at the end of 2003, where it has been performing well at over 20 sites.

Successful pilot projects have also been running in Europe since last summer.

As a landmark innovation, Bonderite NT is enabling Henkel to consolidate and build on its strong position in metal pretreatment.

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