METOCHEM-ZX

(Accelerated type hot Zinc Phosphating Process)

INTRODUCTION:
METOCHEM-ZX process is operated at higher temperature by dipping method to produce a smooth
and continuous fine grain Zinc Phosphate conversion coating. This coating improves adhesion between
paints and steel and also protects steel from under-paint corrosion thus enhancing life and durability of
paints.
USES:
METOCHEM-ZX process is used on all steel surfaces which are to be painted or powder coated. It is
also used on ground and machined components etc. to produce medium to heavy weight zinc
phosphate coating which is then sealed with rust preventive such as METOCHEM SEALANT-1.
This process is ideally suited to produce dark grey to black phosphate coating on nut bolts and
fasteners.
PROCESS:
Sr. Stage Chemical Concentration Temperature Time
No (minutes)
1 Degrease METOCHEM 5% - 10% (w/v) 95°C 10 - 15
MS-1
2 Rinse WATER - R.T. 1
3 Derust METOCHEM 33%-50% (v/v) R.T. 5 - 20
RR- 1
4 Rinse WATER - R.T. 1
5 Phosphate METOCHEM-ZX A : 8% (v/v) } 90° - 95°C 4-8
B : 6% (v/v) }
C : 4% (v/v) } 75° - 85°C 10-15
6 Rinse WATER - R.T. 1
7 Passivate METOCHEM 0.025%-0.05% (v/v) 70ºC 1
SEALANT -1
8 Dry-off with help of hot air blower or compressed air or in oven.
v/v = Volume by Volume; w/v = Weight by Volume, R.T = Room Temperature
Notes :
1) Tanks for Stage 1, 5 & 7 - M.S. Tank with S.S. heaters
Stage 3 & 4 - Plastic Tanks or PVC/FRP lines M.S. Tank
Stage 2 & 6 - M.S. or Plastic Tank.
2) Heating in tanks 1, 5 & 7 should only be done from the sides of the tank and not from the bottom.
3) Heavily contaminated sheets and parts must be dipped/swabbed with kerosene or degreasing bath
solution before dipping in the degreasing bath.
4) In most continuous processes it is necessary to have a hot spray knock-off with METOCHEM-SP
prior to degreasing or have two dip degreasing stages using METOCHEM-HD.
( P.T.O.)
5) To make initial bath, the tanks should be half filled with water and then the required chemical
added. Extra water as required should then be added to achieve the working level.
6) False bottom should be provided in each tank to avoid parts from touching the bottom and to
maintain bath free from sludge interference.
7) Phosphating bath should be decanted periodically to remove sludge settled at the bottom of the tank.
8) The quality and uniformity of the phosphate coating is directly dependent on the pre-treatment
prior to phosphating. It is essential that the parts are absolutely free of oil, rust, dust, scales and
other contaminants before immersing in the phosphating bath.
9) pH of passivating bath should be maintained between 3 & 5. Passivating bath should be discarded
periodically and made fresh.
10) Skum & oil floating on any of the tanks should be removed immediately.
11) If this process is operated at a temperature of 70°C or less then addition of ACCELERATOR of
about 0.025% may be made to obtain smooth, light coatings rapidly. ACCELERATOR addition
should never be made if medium to heavy weight coatings are desired or if bath is operated above 75°C.
12) To lower the iron content of the bath ACCELERATOR should be added at 0.1% before periodic
decantation is done. This will precipitate excess iron as sludge.
13) When addition of ACCELERATOR is to be made it should be dissolved separately in a small
quantity of water and then added to the phosphating bath.
14) Additions to all chemical tanks should be made daily and regularly to obtain consistently uniform
results.
15) All rinse water baths should be made fresh at least twice a week.
16) Activation using METOCHEM SA at 0.4%-0.5% concentration can be used as a predip before
phosphating to produce compact coatings.
SEALING:
Phosphated parts which are not to be painted or powder coated should be dipped in RPO OR
LUBRICANT for long term protection against corrosion.

CONTROL OF PHOSPHATING BATH:

10 ml of the Phosphating bath solution is titrated against 0.1 N NaOH using 3-4 drops of
phenolphthalein indicator till a faint pink colouration appears and remains permanent. This end point
is pointage.
Maintain : A : For heavy coatings 52 pointage. Class A IS 3618.
B : For medium coatings 40 pointage. Class B IS 3618.
C : For light coatings 26 pointage. Class C IS 3618.
Addition : Apprx.1lit.of METOCHEM-ZX should be added after processing 200-250 Sq.ft. of work.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1) PVC/Rubber gloves, aprons and eyeshields should be worn while handling chemicals.
2) Splashes or splatters on eyes or skin should be washed off with plenty of fresh water.
PACKING: 45kgs. Polythene Carboys.

NON-WARRANTY: The information in this bulletin is based on our experience and tests which we believe
to be reliable, but offer no guarantee and accept no responsibility for operations not under our direct control.

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