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Finishing of Magnesium

Thomas J. Pullizzi, Bayside Electrical Testing, Inc., Beach Haven, NJ

Magnesium is usually treated with chromate conversion coatings or an anodize finish prior to the application of organic finishes.




Review of early prepaint cleaning and activation of magnesium --

Groshart1 states that magnesium must be passivated before painting. He recommends Dow 17 or HAE anodize (Mil-M-45202 Type I Class A) and Type I Class C, respectively, or Conversion coating (DOW 7 (Mil-M-3171 Type III or VIII) or or DOW 19 (Mil-M-3171 Type VI).

Weed2 recommends:

  1. Vinyl and epoxy resins for organic coatings since the corrosion products of magnesium are highly alkaline in nature, thus acting as a stripper for many commonly used organic primers and enamels.
  2. To minimize the corrosion potential between magnesium and dissimilar metals, the area of the magnesium should be large compared to the area of the dissimilar metal.
  3. The quality and thickness of organic coatings is most important in mating areas of dissimilar metals.
  4. Avoid sharp corners during design of the component.
  5. Allow for dimensional growth in protective coatings for magnesium except for dichromate or chrome pickle treatments.
  6. Select compatible aluminum alloys such as 5052 and 6061, for attachments and tin plated steel in preference to cadmium or zinc plating. If cadmium or zinc must be used, chemically treat with a chromate or a phosphate coating.

Published procedures and formulas for the finishing of magnesium --

Janssen3 studied thermal reflectance of AZ31B and HK31A magnesium samples and reports the use of the following solutions:

Electropolish:

HCl

100 ml: ethylene glycol - 900 ml

Temperature

Below 10 °C

Time

10 minutes

Current Density

20 amperes/square foot

Preclean:


HAE process

The chemicals were dissolved in the order given, then the bath was dummied with 1 square foot per gallon of magnesium

Solution:

KOH

163 g/l

Al (metal)

9.25 g/l

Na3PO4

3.33 g/l

KMnO4

18.3 g/l

Temperature

20 °C

Current Density

20 amperes per square foot ac

For tan coatings the voltage was terminated at 64 VAC, for thick brown coatings the voltage was terminated at 85 VAC.


Dow 17 Process

Solution:

NH4HF2

237 g/l

Na2Cr2O7.2H2O

98 g/l

H3PO4 (85%)

85 ml/l

Temperature

71 °C

Current Density

20 amperes per square foot AC


Sharma4 reports the use of the following solutions for preplating of electroless nickel and gold on AZ31B magnesium alloy (3% aluminum, 1% zinc, 0.2% manganese by weight):

(Water rinse after each step)

  1. ultrasonic degreasing in isopropanol for 5-10 minutes
  2. alkaline cleaning in NaOH, 50 g/l and Na3PO4.12H2O (TSP, trisodium orthophosphate), 10 g/l at 55-65 °C for 6-10 minutes.
  3. Acid pickle in CrO3, 500 g/l at 20-30 °C
  4. Immersion zincate: ZnSO4.7H2O, 50 g/l
  5. Na4P2O7.10H2O, 200 g/l, NaF, 7 g/l, and Na2CO3 5 g/l, pH 10.2-10.4 at 80-85 °C for 5-7 minutes.

To prepare the zincate: zinc sulphate [on eBay or Amazon] was first dissolved in water, then heated to 65-75 °C. Sodium pyrophosphate was slowly added to it while stirring. While the sodium pyrophosphate was added, a white precipitate formed that later dissolved, giving a clear solution. Sodium fluoride was then added to this clear solution, and finally the pH of the solution was adjusted with the addition of sodium carbonate / washing soda [affil links].


References

1. Groshart, E.A., Metal Finishing 83 (1), January 1985, "Organic Finishing, Part I - Design Concepts and Surface Preparation".

2. Weed, E.I., 47th Annual Technical Proceedings American Electroplaters' Society, 1960, "Magnesium Corrosion", pp. 66-67.

3. Janssen, J., et al., 49th Annual Technical Proceedings American Electroplaters' Society, 1962, "Thermal Reflectance of Anodized Metals for Spacecraft", pp. 126-132.

4. Sharma, A.K., et al., Metal Finishing, 91(3), March, 1993, "Gold Plating on Magnesium for Space Applications", pp. 34 - 40.



Ion exchange of chromate bearing rinse water solutions



Typical processing data for MIL-M-3171C, Type VIII (proprietary chromate) Iridite#15

Brush application

Processing New Castings

Equipment and Materials

Cleaning

Chromic acid pickle

Sulfuric acid pickle

Chemical chromate treatment for magnesium alloys with more than 1% aluminum

Chemical chromate treatment for magnesium alloys with less than 1% aluminum

General cleaning

HF pre treatment (optional)

Chemical (chromate) treatment

Operating information

Notes

1. conversion from English inches to metric µm (micrometres):

    1 mil (0.001 inches) x 1 inch/1000 mils x 2.54 centimeters / inch x 1 metre/100 centimeters x 1,000,000 µm (micrometers) / metre = 25.4 µm

    so 0.001" (inches) = 25.4 µm (micrometres)

2. Proprietary chromate compounds and detergents are available from chemical supply houses serving the finishing industry.



Process - Pickling of magnesium alloy castings.

Used for surface inspection (Type I) or to remove casting skin contamination (Type II)

sulfuric acid solution

hydrofluoric acid solution

Procedure

  1. Clean the casting of any oil in a suitable alkaline cleaner
  2. Immerse in the sulfuric acid solution for the following time, as applicable
    Type I - 10-20 seconds
    Type II - 1-5 minutes
  3. Rinse throughly in cold water
    Any smut may be removed by immersing for 10-30 seconds in the hydrofluoric acid solution.
  4. Rinse throughly in cold water, then hot water, and dry.

The pickling of magnesium castings is done under Type I to detect surface flaws, defects, sand holes, and evidences of welding, and under Type II to remove the casting skin and other surface contamination that may affect subsequent chemical treatments.

The removal of casting skin and other contamination removes 25 to 50 µm of material from the casting.



Chrome pickle treatment (Dow #1) treatment of magnesium alloys (MIL-M-3171C, Type I)

Type I - Treatment for Wrought Material
Type II - Treatment for castings

The treatment of this process will produce a variable colored coating, depending upon the age of the solution, the alloy, and heat treatment condition of the alloy. The best paint base is a matte grey to yellow-red, iridescent color. Bright, brassy coatings are unsatisfactory for a paint base.

Chromic acid pickle

sulfuric acid pickle

Type I Chrome for treatment for wrought material: Pickle solution

Type II Chrome for treatment for castings: Pickle solution

Processing

Dow #1 treatment

Type I, agitate the parts in the chrome pickle solution for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, with a 5 second drip time to develop color and reduce dragout. Rinse and dry.

For Type II, immerse the parts in hot (180F) water for 15 - 30 seconds followed immediately by immersion in the chrome pickle for 10 seconds to 2 minutes, with a 5 second drip time. Rinse and dry.

Brush application

Brush application with approval by the quality control department, is acceptable for repairs or for special parts too large for immersion in tanks.

Maintenance of Dow #1 solutions

30-40 replenishments. See Mil-M 3171C

Trouble shooting summary For Dow#1 processing

Brown, non-adherent, powdery coating - the part was in the air too long before rinsing; ratio of acid concentration to sodium dichromate too high; solution too hot; parts not clean; solution replenished too many times.

Grey, non-adherent, powdery coating on castings - immersed in bath too long; used Type I solution instead of Type II for castings.



Dichromate Treatment (Dow #7)

Dichromate solution

Operating conditions

Dichromate solution maintenance

A 10 % solution of chromic acid is used to adjust pH. the calcium or magnesium fluoride content is maintained by the continuous immersion of a cloth bag containing one of these compounds: cloth made of vinylidene chloride or acrylonitrile fiber is recommended.

Troubleshooting information

Abnormally heavy and loose powdery deposits - HF acid concentration low; pH of dichromate low; corroded or contaminated surfaces; contact between work and tank;prolonged treatment in the dichromate solution.

Failure to coat or nonuniform coatings - pH of dichromate solution too high; dichromate concentration low; surface contamination because of insufficient cleaning or contaminated after cleaning; temperature of dichromate solution;improper rinsing after HF acid.

Notes on Dow #7

- The dichromate treatment provides an excellent paint base and protective coating on all standard magnesium alloys except EK30A, EK41A, HM31A, HM21A, HK31A, La141A and M1A. No coatings form on these alloys.
- Castings containing bearings, studs, and inserts of brass, bronze, cadmium plate and steel may be treated. Aluminum is rapidly attacked by the HF acid. Do not use the chromic acid pickle on parts containing copper based inserts.
- Use alkaline cleaners containing less than 2 % caustic for ZK60A, ZK60B and some Magnesium Lithium alloys, as dimensional losses due to etching may occur.



Anodic treatment of magnesium alloys

MIL-M-45202A, Anodic treatment of Magnesium Alloys

Class

Type I - Dow#17 Process
Type II - HAE Process

Class A - Thin Coating
Class B - Heavy Coating

All castings, before machining, shall be sand or grit blasted and acid pickled with:

Note: Any smut formed after pickling may be removed by dipping in 10-15% HF acid solution.

Color

Dimensional Change
(Minimum, Maximum, Typical)

Post Treatment for Type II (HAE) coatings

Unless otherwise specified, Class A coatings shall be given a chromate post treatment per Type I, Class A, Grade 2 or MIL_M_45202A and the Class B Coatings shall be given a bifluoride-dichromate post treatment as per Type II, Class A, Grade 3 of MIL-M-45202A.

Notes:

- Dissimilar metal inserts must be installed after anodizing.
- The Heavy coatings have better corrosion resistance.
- Type I Class B coatings on castings have a tendency to spall (poor adhesion to itself) Class A coatings have good corrosion resistance in comparison to the chemical treatments for magnesium, but they have the limitations of no dissimilar metal inserts during treatment, and a slight dimensional change.
- Do not use these coatings on parts which are subject to flexing in service.
- For the best corrosion protection cover these coatings with one coat of zinc dust by brush, stipple or dab. There need not be a requirement that the paint coating match the color of the anodized coating. An additional coating of a approved paint may then be used to match the color of the anodize if necessary.

Impregnation of Castings

Applicable Documents

MIL-STD-276, Impregnation of Porous Non-Ferrous Metal Castings
MIL-I-6869, Impregnants for Aluminum Alloy and Magnesium Alloy Castings.

Impregnation of castings requires the use of an aqueous detergent tank and hot and cold water rinse tanks for the detergent and uncured impregnating resin. Wastewater treatment of this rinsewater may be complicated by toxic organics present in the uncured resin, if so formulated.


Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

Parts are to be etched prior to inspection.

Applicable Documents - MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-I-6866 Inspection, Penetrant Method of
MIL-F-38762 Fluorescent Penetrant, Inspection Units
MIL-I-25135 Inspection Materials, Penetrant
MIL-P-47158 Penetrant Inspection, Soundness Requirements for Materials, Parts and Weldments
MIL-STD-410 Non-Destructive Testing Personnel, Qualification and Certification


Magnetic Particle (Magnaflux) Inspection

Applicable Documents - MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-M-6867 Magnetic Inspection Units
MIL-I-6868 Inspection Process, Magnetic Particle
MIL-STD-410 Qualification of Inspection Personnel ( Magnetic Particle and Penetrant)

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copyright © 2000, Bayside Electrical Testing, Inc. 27 W. Rhode Island Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA, all rights reserved worldwide.

 



An Update on Magnesium Treatments

Following up on Tom Pullizzi's highly detailed and well-researched report from 2000 ...

With the ever increasing consumer demand for small, light, and portable electronic devices like cell phones and stylus-operated computers, magnesium and its surface treatment have become increasingly important.

At the same time, environmental pressures have made many of the older surface treatments undesirable and in some cases have even forbidden their use in some countries and on some applications.

Newer alternatives are available to supplant the older and more toxic treatments based on fluoride processes, silanes, cerium-based processes, micro-arc oxidation, electroplating, and electroless nickel plating. These newer processes are often either retained as trade secrets or covered by active (rather than expired) patents and thus are only available from the patent holders.

The major suppliers of proprietary plating processes offer these proprietary magnesium treatments and should be consulted for these replacement technologies.

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