Use of bicarbonates and carbonates in metal cleaning formulations to inhibit flash rusting

摘要

Prevention of flash rusting of iron-containing substrates is achieved by contacting the substrates with aqueous solutions containing carbonate and/or bicarbonate salts. The treatment process can be effected during cleaning of the substrates with an aqueous alkaline cleaner or during a post cleaning step such as during rinsing of the substrates subsequent to cleaning.