Summary for surfactants in chem film baths Discussion
surfactants in chem film baths are discussed as a possible way to reduce surface tension for EPA compliance, but the thread excerpt only shows the question and not any posted answers. The asker wants to know whether surfactants are used in chem film and/or sodium dichromate seal baths, and whether they affect seal quality or the chem film coating. The stated motivation is to meet new EPA guidelines by lowering surface tension. Because no responses are included in the source excerpt, there is no documented consensus here on whether surfactants are acceptable or what impact they have on coating performance.
Q. Does anyone out there use surfactants in their chem film and/or their sodium dichromate seal baths?
Does adding the surfactants have any effect on the seal quality or the chem film coating.
To meet the new EPA guidelines I may have add surfactants to reduce surface tension.
Tim Hamlett, CEF
– West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
March 6, 2013