Published: January 13, 2015
Q. Can Liquinox be used to clean aluminum that has undergone a chemical conversion process with chromate?
A. Assuming that coating is 100%, i.e. no exposed aluminum, then cleaning with a 1% liquinox solution is acceptable. However, if the coating is not 100% and there are exposed areas of aluminum then it is best to proceed with our acid cleaner, Citranox.
The rational for this recommendation is as follows: 1. A high pH cleaner will cause oxidation if it does not have corrosion inhibitors. Liquinox does not have silicates or other corrosion inhibitors. 2. Liquinox contains EDTA that causes chelate blush. Citranox does not have EDTA. We recommend that you clean with cold 1-2% Citranox (short contact time) followed by prompt rinsing. This will minimize galvanic corrosion due to two mixed metals during cleaning.
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