Nanoparticle-filled silane films as chromate replacements for aluminum alloys

Silane surface treatments have been developed as an alternative for toxic and carcinogenic chromate-based treatments for years. It is consistently observed that ultra-thin silane films offer excellent corrosion protection as well as paint adhesion to metals. The silane performance is comparable to, or in some cases better than, that of chromate layers. The most recent studies also showed that the silane films can be thickened and strengthened by loading of a small amount of nanoparticles such as silica and alumina into the films resulting in enhanced corrosion protection of aluminum alloys.