Summary for chromium trioxide replacement Discussion
chromium trioxide replacement is the central question here: Andrew Gilbert asked what less dangerous chemical could replace chromium trioxide in a rust converter that already contains phosphoric acid, nitric acid, Teric LA8, and butyl icinol. The reply did not recommend a substitute chemical. Instead, it advised that hexavalent chromium should be removed if possible and asked what function it serves in the formula. The answer noted that chromium trioxide is an oxidizer, but the mix already includes nitric acid as another oxidizer. It also suggested considering whether chromium is being used for corrosion resistance or to help protect any remaining galvanizing on treated surfaces. The practical takeaway is that the first step is to identify the role chromium trioxide plays before trying to replace it, because the existing ingredients may already cover its oxidizing function.
Q. I have a rust converter
⇦ on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link]
formulation that contains phosphoric, nitric, Teric LA8, butyl icinol and chromium trioxide.
I would like to replace the chromium trioxide with a less dangerous chemical.
What would you suggest?
Andrew Gilbert
manufacturer – Queensland Australia
February 2, 2018
February 2018
A. Hi. I certainly agree that you should try to get hexavalent chromium out of that formulation. How about simply leaving it out?
Do you know what roles it plays? It is an oxidizing agent, of course, but you already have another oxidizer, nitric acid, in the formulation. Do you feel that the chromium provides corrosion resistance, or perhaps helps protect any galvanizing remaining on the treated surfaces?
Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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