Autophoretic / Aquence ®

Aquence® branded coating technology, previously marketed under the Autophoretic® name, is a chemical coating used in a process where an organic polymeric emulsion chemically deposits on the surface of a clean metal substrate.

An Aquence® bath consists of a mildly acidic latex emulsion polymer, DI water, and other proprietary ingredients. The bath solids are normally between 3% and 5% by weight. The bath viscosity is close to that of water with little or no organic solvents in the coating bath. Another characteristic of the Aquence® coating process is that is quite simple in comparison to other coating systems. The mildly acid bath liberates a small amount of iron from the steel parts being immersed, causing an immediate surface reaction that releases iron ions. These ions interact with the latex in solution causing coating deposition on the surface of the steel parts. The newly deposited organic film is adherent yet quite porous. This allows the chemical activators to diffuse rapidly in the film and etch the surface of the metal. The continuous formation of coating provides a film with a high degree of surface protection and corrosion resistance.

The coating thickness of the auto-deposited film is time and temperature related. The film thickness continues to grow as long as ionic species are being produced at the coating/metal interface. Initially, the deposition process is quite rapid, but slows down as the film increases in thickness. Typically, film thickness is controlled from 0.6 to 1.0 mil.

A unique feature of the Aquence® process is the formation of a uniform film over the entire surface of the work piece, even in difficult-to-reach areas. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) photos show a uniform, tight, auto-deposited wet film before coalescence/curing, and consistent coating thickness around the edge of a razor blade. This allows the coating dispersion to flow into and around the most complex shapes. Unlike coating processes that require a charge to deposit the coating (i.e. where electrical energy is required to “throw” the coating into recessed areas) auto-deposition will coat tubular, assembled, or intricate design areas uniformly.

Estimated Salt Spray Results = Coating will not white rust
Estimated Salt Spray Results = 480 hours to red rust