The metal processing industry is renowned for its precision, durability, and versatility in manufacturing metal products for various applications. To achieve these high standards, the use of basic chemicals is essential. Basic chemicals play a crucial role in the metal industry as they fulfill a wide range of functions and enable the processing of metals at the highest level. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the key basic chemicals used in the metal processing industry and their desired effects.
1. Acid Baths
Acid baths are commonly used basic chemicals in the metal processing industry. They are employed for various applications, such as removing oxide layers, rust, or impurities from the metal surface. Acid baths facilitate thorough cleaning and preparation of the metal to ensure optimal adhesion of coatings, paints, or other surface treatments.
- Hydrochloric Acid: Hydrochloric acid is frequently used for pickling and derusting metals.
- Sulfuric Acid: Sulfuric acid is employed for removing oxides and impurities from metal surfaces.
- Nitric Acid: Nitric acid is used for cleaning, degreasing, and activating metals.
2. Degreasing Agents:
Degreasing agents are another vital basic chemical in the metal processing industry. They are used to remove grease, oil, lubricants, and other organic contaminants from metal parts. By effectively cleaning the surface, degreasing agents enhance the adhesion of coatings and enable optimal further processing of the metal.
- Alkaline Degreasing Agents: Alkaline degreasers such as Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide are used for removing grease, oil, and lubricants from metal parts.
- Solvent-based Degreasing Agents: Solvents like Trichloroethylene or Dichloromethane are also used for degreasing metal parts.
3. Passivation Solutions
Passivation solutions are chemical treatments applied to metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion. These basic chemicals form a protective layer on the metal, reducing reactivity with the environment and thereby enhancing the durability and aesthetics of the metal. Passivation solutions find application in various areas of metal processing, such as stainless steel fabrication.
- Chromium(VI)-containing Solutions: Chromium Acid or Chromium Trioxide are used for passivating stainless steel to form a protective layer against corrosion.
- Citric Acid-based Passivation Agents: Citric acid is often used for the passivation of aluminum and aluminum alloys.
4. Etching Agents
Etching agents are employed to create specific surface patterns or structures on metals. They enable the selective removal of metal particles to achieve precise designs or desired textures. Etching agents are frequently used in the production of jewelry, precision components, or decorative metal products.
- Nitric Acid: Nitric acid is used as an etching agent for metals like copper or stainless steel.
- Hydrofluoric Acid: Hydrofluoric acid is used for etching glass, as well as certain metals like titanium.
5. Electrolytes
Electrolytes are solutions that contain the metal ions released and deposited during the electroplating process. Examples of electrolytes include cyanide, sulfate, or chloride solutions, depending on the desired metal coating.
Basic chemicals play an indispensable role in the metal processing industry by fulfilling a wide range of functions. From cleaning and preparing the metal to removing impurities and grease, as well as forming protective layers and enabling precise surface modification, basic chemicals deliver outstanding results in metal processing.
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HYDROCHLORIC ACID 33% CA. (19/21 BE’) – MP 010934
SULFURIC ACID 94-96% TECHNICAL (66 BE’) – MP 011049
CHEMICALLY PURE SULFURIC ACID 96% – MP 011056
SULFURIC ACID 50% – MP 015891
SULFURIC ACID 38% TECHNICAL – MP 016675
SULFURIC ACID 63% – MP 017190
NITRIC ACID APPROX. 65% NO3 – MP 011007
NITRIC ACID 60% – MP 017189
NITRIC ACID 50% – MP 017188
NITRIC ACID 38% – MP 022106
CAUSTIC SODA SOLUTION AT 30% – MP 011171
CAUSTIC SODA SOLUTION AT 50% – MP 011189
CAUSTIC SODA 98/100% PEARLS – MP 011197
CAUSTIC POTASH SOLUTION 50% – MP 012674
CAUSTIC POTASH FLAKES – MP 011114
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE BP – MP 020313
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID BP – MP 021170
HYDROFLUORIC ACID 39.5% RS-RSE FOR ELECTRONIC USE – MP 001473
GRANULAR POTASSIUM CYANIDE – MP 014480
ZINC CYANIDE – MP 018017
COPPER CYANIDE – MP 018018
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