FLORHAM PARK, N.J., March 17, 2005 - Jobwerx News - Unique cost-saving surface finishing technology is self-repairing, chromate-free.

Lugalvan Passivation products are a new generation of surface treatments that can be applied to zinc-plated steel surfaces, particularly for improved corrosion protection of zinc-plated steel coil.

"There are no toxicological problems with the new Lugalvan Passivation products because, unlike other products on the market, they work without heavy metals," said Dr. Helmut Witteler, Head of Development, Metal Surface Treatment at BASF. "We have achieved a technological breakthrough because, in addition to protecting the substrate from corrosion, the surface films produced by treating galvanized steel with Lugavalan Passivation products also have the ability to repair themselves. Previously, this was only possible with toxic chromates." Damage to the passivating layer, such as that which occurs during cold working, can now repair itself, and as a result Lugalvan Passivation products provide a large increase in the corrosion resistance of uncoated metal surfaces.

The new Lugalvan Passivation products will be featured at the 2005 Hannover Fair, the world's leading showcase of industrial technology in Germany, from April 11 - 15. The product is available now in North America in sampling quantities.

New primer for aluminum also featured At the Hannover Fair, BASF is also featuring its well-established Lugalvan FDC as a primer for aluminum. "Metal finishers can use our Lugalvan FDC copolymer to reduce their manufacturing costs because the aluminum does not have to be degreased before our product is applied and the surface can then be painted if necessary," said Witteler.

"Lugalvan FDC acts as a transparent passivating film and as an adhesion promoter. In many applications there is no longer any need for intensive pre-cleaning and repeated rinsing as in conventional passivation processes. The BASF copolymer enables processes to be simplified and substantial cost savings can be achieved." The use of Lugalvan FDC as transparent sealer coatings applied to galvanized steel and aluminum is already well established.

Lutropur™ MSA - Very pure methanesulfonic acid from BASF Increasing quantities of Lutropur MSA, the very pure methane-sulfonic acid supplied by BASF, are being employed in many different types of electroplating baths, such as in the manufacture of tinplate cans. "Experience has shown that this high-quality acid improves the productivity of tin plating processes. Electrolytes based on methane-sulfonic acid are gradually displacing the older, less environmentally friendly formulations in the production of tinplate," said Witteler. This acid will also play a key role in the future in all electrolytic processes for applying lead-free alloy solder in the electronics and automobile industries, and world-wide demand will again increase in 2005 as the current processes are superseded.

Methanesulfonic acid is marketed worldwide by BASF under the Lutropur MSA trademark in various grades up to a very pure electronics grade. Methanesulfonic acid is an organic acid and it is readily biodegradable. Unlike sulfuric acid, Lutropur MSA does not cause tin, silver or copper compounds to form a sludge, and this reduces costs and saves energy.

BASF will exhibit these products in Hall 6, Booth G018 at the Hannover, Germany, trade show grounds.

Lugalvan and Lutropur are registered trademarks of BASF Aktiengesellschaft. BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany


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