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Can we CHEMFILM with steel hardware already in place?

Q. Is it acceptable to CHEMFILM aluminum sheet metal assemblies with steel PEM hardware pressed in place?

Tom Carlisle
Pyxis Corporation - San Diego, California
2003

"Surface properties of Conversion Coated Aluminum"
by Raj & Ali

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A. Normally, it is a bad idea. Chemicals will leak out for days that wicked into spaces between the aluminum and the fitting. After that, it depends what the fitting is made of and what desmut is being used, i.e., nitric - HF can be a big problem.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003

A. I wouldn't like to contaminate the acidic solution with other metals, or risk the possibility of galvanic corrosion. Nitric acid, which is used for pH adjustment of the solution dissolves iron metal. It would be acceptable if the steel inserts will be masked before performing the process.

Dado Macapagal
- Toronto, Ontario
2003

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