Metal Passivization to Resist Corrosion

Hydrogen Plasma generated by tap water and sodium bicarbonate is designed to clean metals of oxides and organic contaminants, including paints, leaving the surface passivated against corrosion and with an anchor profile that enhances coating adhesion. Theremoval of mill scale results in two distinct benefits: a.) enhanced adhesion characteristics and b.) surface passivation against corrosion.Utilizing the same process, conductive metals, such as zinc, zinc/aluminum, copper, copper/nickel, and nickel can be applied to a metal substrate. Theoretically any conductive metal can be applied with the plasma process, however; only the metals listedabove have been tested to date. Two key areas have potential benefits from the use of the plasma technology; 1.) metal cleaning which is cost effective, environmentally friendly, creates an active keyed surface and causes passivation against corrosion,2.) metal coatings, including multi-layered coatings, alloys or combinations of pure metals and alloys. In both of these key benefits areas, all segments of industry, military and private, will benefit and in particular wherever acid is used as thecleaning agent for metals and where there is a need to perserve fresh water.Within the time frame for this Phase I program, several areas of commercial development will be underway. First, wire, rod and capillary tubing; industrial units for this industry will be introduced by the end of the first quarter 2003. Second, narrowwidth continuous strip cleaning and coating will be in development by the end of the second quarter 2003, along with the cleaning and coating of tubular goods. Third, by the end of the third quarter 2003, the technology will be intorduced into thehigh-speed strip steel industry for cleaning and coating, including the stainless steel industry.