Abstract: The purpose of this object is to find a low environmental toxicity of trivalent chromium passivation process, to replace the highly toxic hexavalent chromium passivation process. The new technics can form a Cr(Ⅲ) conversion layer which can present a corrosion protection of above 72h in the salt spray test.
Through a period of exploring and researching process, we find a new colorized trivalent chromating technology. In this processing solution, Cr(Ⅲ) which is offered by Chromium trichloride is the main element of the conversion layer; Nitrate is the oxidant; Ni2+ present in an amount effective to activate the bath and improve the corrosion resistance of the passivate film. According to one-way method, the optimal process conditions of a Cr(Ⅲ) passivate solution was obtained: 50g/L chromic salts, 10g/L nickel vitriol, 12g/LNaNO3,3g/L sodium dodecylsulfate, pH1.8,passivation temperature 30℃,passivation time 60s. The correlation among the passivating parameters and the morphology and corrosion resistance of the electroplated zinc coating were explored. The formation mechanism of passivate film were also discussed.
According to the national standard method, we test the performance of the trivalent chromium passivation film. The results show that the capability of the passivation film is satifacted. The passivation film has decorative colorized, and can pass 72 hours NSS test. However, there is still a gap compared with the hexavalent chromium passivation film, so the thchnic should be further improved.