NEW reach compliant Bonderite products for etch passivation and corrosion protection are chromium-free, allow the toxicity labeling to be removed, and reduce the user’s carbon footprint thanks to fewer active steps. In addition, they also provide significant reductions in product and water consumption.
That’s according to manufacturer, Henkel, which said it had started to develop alternatives to hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) for metal surface treatment many years ago. Today, the company offers a portfolio of conversion products. It has also been focusing on reducing the complexity of conversion processes by minimizing the number of required process steps.
“There is a growing demand for aluminum parts in several markets and foremost in e-mobility or architectural,” said Raul Hernandez, Business Development Manager Functional Coatings, Western Europe, for Henkel.
“At the same time, aluminum surfaces are increasingly looking to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and products. Our innovative surface pretreatment technologies combine superior conversion results with best-in-class sustainability.”
New products include Bonderite C-IC 65001, Bonderite M-NT 2040 R9 and Bonderite M-NT 65000, developed especially for a broad range of new aluminum applications in industries from aerospace, automotive and railways to architectural, agriculture, furniture and lighting.
According to Hernandez all three products provide a “very robust and safe process”, meet key industry specifications such as Qualicoat and GSB for architectural aluminum parts, and are considered the most sustainable option in the market.
“In all of our aluminum conversion coating developments, we strive to maximize both the efficiency and the sustainability of the process for our customers,” he said.
“The Henkel approach is as simple as it is challenging: eliminate hexachromium and any other high-hazard substances to remove the need for toxicity labeling and enhance working conditions; consolidate the process to reduce carbon footprint, water consumption and waste water treatment; and implement all these targets without any constraints in performance. Our new products show that it can be done while at the same time addressing cost issues and improving final part quality.”
