Method of applying phosphate conversion coatings to Fe-R-B substrates, and Fe-R-B articles having a phosphate conversion coating thereon

摘要

A method for applying a phosphate conversion coating atop an iron-rare earth-boron alloy not normally susceptible to phosphating includes the step of applying a compatible metal layer to the alloy substrate before phosphatizing. The metal layer can be an alloy or an elemental metal, preferably zinc or nickel, and optimally nickel. The rare earth in the alloy is optimally neodymium. Any of the conventionally known metal coating and phosphating procedures can be generally employed in the method of the invention. An article having an iron-rare earth-boron substrate and a phosphate conversion coating atop the substrate, preferably formed as the product of the disclosed method, is also disclosed.