ASTM B921-08(2018)

Standard Specification for Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements relating to rinsed and non-rinsed non-hexavalent chromium conversion coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys intended to retard corrosion; as a base for organic films including paints, plastics, and adhesives; and as.a protective coating having a low electrical contact impedance. Coatings are categorized into four classes according to corrosion protection and finish. The type of conversion coating depends on the composition of the solution and may also be affected by pH, temperature, duration of the treatment, and the nature and surface condition. Films are normally applied by dipping, but may also be applied by inundation, spraying, roller coating, or by wipe-on techniques. Coatings shall adhere to specified electrical resistance, adhesion, and corrosion resistance requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements relating to rinsed and non-rinsed non-hexavalent chromium conversion coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys intended to give protection against corrosion and as a base for other coatings.  
1.2 Aluminum and aluminum alloys are conversion coated in order to retard corrosion; as a base for organic films including paints, plastics, and adhesives; and as a protective coating having a low electrical contact impedance.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 77.120.10 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Technical Committee: B08 - Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Drafting Committee: B08.07 - Conversion Coatings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B921-08(2013) - Standard Specification for Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Replaced By: ASTM B921-08(2023) - Standard Specification for Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1730-09(2020) - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1730-09(2014) - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM B117-11 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM B602-88(2010) - Standard Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM B117-09 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D3359-09e1 - Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1730-09 - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM B117-07a - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3359-07 - Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM B117-07 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM B602-88(2005) - Standard Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM B117-03 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1730-03 - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: B921 −08 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on
1
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B921; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 ISO Standards:
3
ISO 2409 Paint and Varnishes—Cross-Cut Test
1.1 This specification covers the requirements relating to
ISO 3768 Metallic Coatings—Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSS
rinsed and non-rinsed non-hexavalent chromium conversion
3
Test)
coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys intended to give
ISO 4519 Electrodeposited Metallic Coatings and Related
protection against corrosion and as a base for other coatings.
Finishes—Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attri-
3
1.2 Aluminum and aluminum alloys are conversion coated
butes
in order to retard corrosion; as a base for organic films
2.3 Federal Standard:
including paints, plastics, and adhesives; and as a protective
Fed. Std. No. 141 Paints, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
4
coating having a low electrical contact impedance.
Materials; Methods of Inspection
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 2.4 Military Specification:
MIL-DTL-5541 Chemical Conversion Coatings on Alumi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- num and Aluminum Alloys
MIL-DTL-81706 Chemical Conversion Materials For Coat-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use. ing Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.1 Definitions:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.1 non-rinsed—conversion coatings that are dried imme-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical diately after the conversion coating step without receiving a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. water rinse.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This special type of coating is typically
used on long coils of aluminum sheet stock that receive an
2. Referenced Documents
immediate subsequent paint or adhesive coating.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Non-rinsed conversion coatings are finding increased usage
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
on fabricated parts and castings.
B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
3.1.2 rinsed—conversion coatings that are rinsed in water
Inorganic Coatings
prior to drying.
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thistypeofcoatingistypicallyapplied
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test to extruded aluminum fabricated parts and castings.
4. Classification
4.1 A class one conversion coating provides for maximum
salt fog corrosion protection to bare metal. A class two
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
conversion coating is designed to give painted salt fog corro-
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
sion resistance and some bare salt fog corrosion resistance. A
B08.07 on Conversion Coatings.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as B921 – 08 (2013).
3
DOI: 10.1520/B0921-08R18. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
the ASTM website. dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
B921 − 08 (2018)
TABLE 2 Relative Corrosion Resistance
class three conversion coating provides little salt fog corrosion
A
resistance, but low electrical contact resistance (see MIL-DTL- Exposure Time, h
5541). Class four conversion coatings only provide for p
...

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: B921 − 08 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on
1
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B921; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 ISO Standards:
3
ISO 2409 Paint and Varnishes—Cross-Cut Test
1.1 This specification covers the requirements relating to
ISO 3768 Metallic Coatings—Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSS
rinsed and non-rinsed non-hexavalent chromium conversion
3
Test)
coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys intended to give
ISO 4519 Electrodeposited Metallic Coatings and Related
protection against corrosion and as a base for other coatings.
Finishes—Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attri-
3
1.2 Aluminum and aluminum alloys are conversion coated
butes
in order to retard corrosion; as a base for organic films
2.3 Federal Standard:
including paints, plastics, and adhesives; and as a protective
Fed. Std. No. 141 Paints, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
4
coating having a low electrical contact impedance.
Materials; Methods of Inspection
2.4 Military Specification:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the MIL-DTL-5541 Chemical Conversion Coatings on Alumi-
4
num and Aluminum Alloys
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- MIL-DTL-81706 Chemical Conversion Materials For Coat-
4
ing Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1.1 non-rinsed—conversion coatings that are dried imme-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical diately after the conversion coating step without receiving a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. water rinse.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This special type of coating is typically
2. Referenced Documents used on long coils of aluminum sheet stock that receive an
immediate subsequent paint or adhesive coating.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Non-rinsed conversion coatings are finding increased usage
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
on fabricated parts and castings.
B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and
3.1.2 rinsed—conversion coatings that are rinsed in water
Inorganic Coatings
prior to drying.
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
3.1.2.1 Discussion—This type of coating is typically applied
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
to extruded aluminum fabricated parts and castings.
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
4. Classification
4.1 A class one conversion coating provides for maximum
salt fog corrosion protection to bare metal. A class two
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on
conversion coating is designed to give painted salt fog corro-
Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
sion resistance and some bare salt fog corrosion resistance. A
B08.07 on Conversion Coatings.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as B921 – 08 (2013).
3
DOI: 10.1520/B0921-08R18. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
the ASTM website. dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
B921 − 08 (2018)
TABLE 2 Relative Corrosion Resistance
class three conversion coating provides little salt fog corrosion
A
resistance, but low electrical contact resistance (see MIL-DTL- Exposure Time, h
5541). Class four conversion coatings only provide for painted Heat-Treatable Alloys
Non-Heat- Cast Alloys with
Coating and Cast Alloys with
salt fog corrosion resistance.
Treatable a Nominal Silic
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B921 − 08 (Reapproved 2013) B921 − 08 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Non-hexavalent Chromium Conversion Coatings on
1
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B921; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the requirements relating to rinsed and non-rinsed non-hexavalent chromium conversion coatings
on aluminum and aluminum alloys intended to give protection against corrosion and as a base for other coatings.
1.2 Aluminum and aluminum alloys are conversion coated in order to retard corrosion; as a base for organic films including
paints, plastics, and adhesives; and as a protective coating having a low electrical contact impedance.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
B602 Test Method for Attribute Sampling of Metallic and Inorganic Coatings
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
2.2 ISO Standards:
3
ISO 2409 Paint and Varnishes—Cross-Cut Test
3
ISO 3768 Metallic Coatings—Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSS Test)
3
ISO 4519 Electrodeposited Metallic Coatings and Related Finishes—Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes
2.3 Federal Standard:
4
Fed. Std. No. 141 Paints, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection
2.4 Military Specification:
4
MIL-DTL-5541 Chemical Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
4
MIL-DTL-81706 Chemical Conversion Materials For Coating Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 non-rinsed—conversion coatings that are dried immediately after the conversion coating step without receiving a water
rinse.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B08 on Metallic and Inorganic Coatings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B08.07 on
Conversion Coatings.
Current edition approved May 1, 2013Oct. 1, 2018. Published May 2013October 2018. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as B921
– 08. 08 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/B0921-08R13.10.1520/B0921-08R18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
B921 − 08 (2018)
This special type of coating is typically used on long coils of aluminum sheet stock that receive an immediate subsequent paint
or adhesive coating.
NOTE 1—Non-rinsed conversion coatings are finding increased usage on fabricated parts and castings.
3.1.2 rinsed—conversion coatings that are rinsed in water prior to drying.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
This type of coating is typically applied to extruded aluminum fabricated parts and castings.
4. Classification
4.1 A class one conversion coating provides for maximum salt fog corrosion protection to bare metal. A class two conversion
coating is designed to give painted salt fog corrosion resistance and some bare salt fog corrosion resistance. A class three
conversion coating provides littl
...