Scientific Background

Pigmentan’s technology is based on compositions of oxyaminophosphate salts of magnesium.

Academic research has shown that these materials give excellent corrosion protection on aluminium alloys: 3105-H24; 6061; 6063 and 2014-T3.

Seven day immersions tests were carried out on aluminium panels saturated with either Pigmentan 465MF or Pigmentan E. The treated panels were immersed in a 3.5% solution of sodium chloride. In all cases the formation of a continuous film was observed at a thickness of between 40 and 100nm. When observed under a High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope, the resultant film structure looked remarkably similar to layers formed by chromates. Images can be seen in the Pigmentan Starting Formulation Brochure

The layers observed were analysed by Auger (AES) technology and proven to comprise oxides of Magnesium and Phosphorus.

Subsequent Electrochemical measurement of coated, scribed panels showed that the surface potential of painted aluminium without Pigmentan A/C systems, quickly moved into the corrosion zone. Conversely, in coatings which included Pigmentan, the surface potential of the aluminium types tested remained below the corrosion value for the duration of the test. These results demonstrate that Pigmentan provides cathodic protection on the aluminium surfaces tested.

Similarly, painted steel surfaces without any anticorrosive protection moved rapidly into the corrosion zone. Steel subsequently tested with a Pigmentan coating had a surface potential above the corrosion point. These results confirm that Pigmentan provides anodic protection to steel substrates.