New Generation Conversion Coatings for the Automotive Industry

Over the past 60 years chemical companies have been supplying automotive manufacturers a state-of-the-art zinc phosphate conversion coating, which when applied properly to a metal surface promotes excellent paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. Phosphate conversion coatings have undergone many transformations over the years, and now some of their essential components and byproducts are being more tightly restricted under new environmental guidelines. The metal pretreatment industry is now challenged with the task of replacing the traditional zinc phosphate coating with the next generation product. This paper examines the advantages of the new generation conversion coatings through performance milestones as well as process and environmental cost savings realized by this technology.