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Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) reaction to electrogalvanized steel

Q. 1. When we send electrogalvanized parts to be painted (e-coat), we continually see all types of defects on the part. (some gassing effect, maple leaves...). Why is this metal reacting to the e-coat system? I don't think it's the metal, I'm thinking more it's in the e-coat process....
2. What kind of effect does MEK / methyl ethyl ketone have on electrogalvanized?
3. If you are a good e-coater in Illinois or surrounding area, please contact us.

Lis K [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
buyer - Illinois
July 28, 2009

"Methyl Ethyl Ketone"

on AbeBooks

or Amazon

(affil links)

A. My guess is that there is too much brightener in the zinc plating. Consider it as a coating of an organic material and when it is heated, it gains volume and causes blisters.
Try an alkaline or cyanide zinc with a matte finish.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
July 30, 2009

A. This sounds like a quality issue on the painters end.

Ketones are inert with metals, it shouldn't react with the zinc. I usually store nano metals in acetone [on eBay or Amazon] for this reason.

When the paint is applied, the solvent (MEK) evaporates. If heated too quickly, the slurry will bunch up and branch out in order to remove itself more quickly.

Robert H Kinner
- Toledo, Ohio
August 13, 2009

A. Wiping parts with rags soaked in MEK will produce iffy quality. Better cleaning processes cost more money.

Sheldon Taylor
supply chain electronics
Wake Forest, North Carolina
August 15, 2009

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