Standard Practice for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel

ABSTRACT
This practice can be used for detection of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line. This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated. The following materials will be required to perform the stripping procedure: (1) dark colored or brown polyethylene wash bottle, or brown glass dropper bottle, and (2) test specimens which may be cut panels or coil stock. The following chemical reagents are required to perform this procedure: 1,5-diphenylcarbohydrazide, acetone, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and distilled water. The preparation of indicator solution, procedure of detection, and evaluation of pink color development are detailed. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice can be used to detect the presence of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. While passivated 55 % aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel is commonly painted, passivated galvanized steel is not. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line.  
1.2 The amount of hexavalent chromium that will cause the indicator to produce a discernible pink color is in the range of 0.5 parts per million dissolved in the indicator solution. It is possible that a coated steel surface that produces a negative result does have chromium on the surface. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. Chrome deposits of 1 mg/ft2 can be easily missed by analytical instruments such as the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) capability. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) or electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) can identify chemical species present in the levels required for adequate detection. Stripping the metallic coating and analyzing for chrome by atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma can also give reliable results in detecting the presence of chrome.  
1.3 This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated.  
1.4 Some chromium-free passivates are being used commercially. Although these products will test negative for hexavalent chromium, they may interfere with cleaning and pretreating. Chromium bearing passivates that contain film forming constituents such as acrylic resins are also being commercially applied. The reaction of these products to the spot test will vary. Abrading the surface with emery paper will improve the likelihood of reliable detection. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establis...

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-May-2022
Drafting Committee
D01.53 - Coil Coated Metal

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-Jul-2015
Effective Date
01-Jun-2010
Effective Date
15-May-1995
Effective Date
15-Apr-1995
Effective Date
01-Jan-1995

Overview

ASTM D6492-99(2022) - Standard Practice for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium on Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel provides a qualitative method to identify the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel. Hexavalent chromium-bearing passivation treatments are often applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain but may impact subsequent processes such as pretreatment and painting. This standard establishes a practical spot test procedure for screening the presence of chromium passivation, helping ensure the appropriate downstream processing of steel products.

Key Topics

  • Scope of Detection: The standard outlines a qualitative spot test, enabling users to distinguish between chrome-passivated and non-passivated coils and panels.
  • Chemical Reagents and Apparatus Required:
    • 1,5-Diphenylcarbohydrazide
    • Acetone
    • Ethanol
    • Phosphoric acid
    • Distilled water
    • Dark-colored polyethylene or brown glass dropper bottles
    • Steel test specimens (panels or coil stock)
  • Spot Test Method: The process involves cleaning the steel surface, applying an indicator solution, and evaluating any pink color development as a sign of hexavalent chromium presence.
  • Detection Limits and Interpretation: The method detects hexavalent chromium at levels producing a pink color, typically around 0.5 parts per million in the solution. Heavy passivation may require further instrumental analysis if visual results are negative but suspicion remains.
  • Limitations: The technique is not recommended for passivation treatments containing acrylic resins due to unreliable results. Chrome-free commercial passivates may interfere with cleaning yet yield negative tests. Surface abrasion with emery paper may improve detection reliability.
  • Safety and Compliance: Users are responsible for establishing proper safety and environmental practices and determining compliance with regulations.

Applications

ASTM D6492-99(2022) is valuable for a variety of stakeholders in the steel coating and finishing industries, including:

  • Quality Control: Enables manufacturers and processors to verify the presence or absence of hexavalent chromium passivation on steel products before pretreatment and painting.
  • Environmental & Regulatory Compliance: Helps facilities prevent the contamination of cleaning and pretreatment baths with chromium-bearing residues, supporting efforts to comply with health and safety regulations regarding hazardous substances like Cr(VI).
  • Production Planning: Assists in sorting or screening material, such as distinguishing passivated from non-passivated coils prior to coil coating operations.
  • Research & Development: Used for evaluating new passivation technologies and their compatibility with established processing lines and coating systems.
  • Supply Chain Communication: Provides a standardized language and test method for specifying and verifying chrome passivation on supplied steel materials.

Related Standards

  • ASTM D2092 - Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting (Withdrawn 2008)
  • ASTM D5723 - Practice for Determination of Chromium Treatment Weight on Metal Substrates by X-Ray Fluorescence
  • Other Analytical Techniques: When spot testing is inconclusive, instrumental analysis such as Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), Atomic Absorption, or Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) can be utilized to confirm chromium presence at trace levels.

Keywords: hexavalent chromium detection, zinc alloy coated steel, galvanized steel, chrome passivation, steel quality control, coil coating, ASTM D6492, steel surface treatment, environmental compliance, chromium spot test

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ASTM D6492-99(2022) - Standard Practice for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D6492-99(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This practice can be used for detection of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line. This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated. The following materials will be required to perform the stripping procedure: (1) dark colored or brown polyethylene wash bottle, or brown glass dropper bottle, and (2) test specimens which may be cut panels or coil stock. The following chemical reagents are required to perform this procedure: 1,5-diphenylcarbohydrazide, acetone, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and distilled water. The preparation of indicator solution, procedure of detection, and evaluation of pink color development are detailed. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments. SCOPE 1.1 This practice can be used to detect the presence of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. While passivated 55 % aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel is commonly painted, passivated galvanized steel is not. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line. 1.2 The amount of hexavalent chromium that will cause the indicator to produce a discernible pink color is in the range of 0.5 parts per million dissolved in the indicator solution. It is possible that a coated steel surface that produces a negative result does have chromium on the surface. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. Chrome deposits of 1 mg/ft2 can be easily missed by analytical instruments such as the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) capability. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) or electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) can identify chemical species present in the levels required for adequate detection. Stripping the metallic coating and analyzing for chrome by atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma can also give reliable results in detecting the presence of chrome. 1.3 This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated. 1.4 Some chromium-free passivates are being used commercially. Although these products will test negative for hexavalent chromium, they may interfere with cleaning and pretreating. Chromium bearing passivates that contain film forming constituents such as acrylic resins are also being commercially applied. The reaction of these products to the spot test will vary. Abrading the surface with emery paper will improve the likelihood of reliable detection. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establis...

ABSTRACT This practice can be used for detection of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line. This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated. The following materials will be required to perform the stripping procedure: (1) dark colored or brown polyethylene wash bottle, or brown glass dropper bottle, and (2) test specimens which may be cut panels or coil stock. The following chemical reagents are required to perform this procedure: 1,5-diphenylcarbohydrazide, acetone, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and distilled water. The preparation of indicator solution, procedure of detection, and evaluation of pink color development are detailed. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments. SCOPE 1.1 This practice can be used to detect the presence of hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treatments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent storage stain. While passivated 55 % aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel is commonly painted, passivated galvanized steel is not. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line. 1.2 The amount of hexavalent chromium that will cause the indicator to produce a discernible pink color is in the range of 0.5 parts per million dissolved in the indicator solution. It is possible that a coated steel surface that produces a negative result does have chromium on the surface. If a material that yields a negative result is suspected of having chromium on the surface, instrumental methods should be used. Chrome deposits of 1 mg/ft2 can be easily missed by analytical instruments such as the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) capability. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) or electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) can identify chemical species present in the levels required for adequate detection. Stripping the metallic coating and analyzing for chrome by atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma can also give reliable results in detecting the presence of chrome. 1.3 This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not chrome passivated. 1.4 Some chromium-free passivates are being used commercially. Although these products will test negative for hexavalent chromium, they may interfere with cleaning and pretreating. Chromium bearing passivates that contain film forming constituents such as acrylic resins are also being commercially applied. The reaction of these products to the spot test will vary. Abrading the surface with emery paper will improve the likelihood of reliable detection. This technique is not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation treatments. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establis...

ASTM D6492-99(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 25.220.40 - Metallic coatings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D6492-99(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D5723-95(2019), ASTM D5723-95(2015), ASTM D5723-95(2010), ASTM D5723-95(2002), ASTM D2092-95, ASTM D5723-95. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D6492-99(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6492 − 99 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/
Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6492; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope spot test will vary.Abrading the surface with emery paper will
improve the likelihood of reliable detection. This technique is
1.1 This practice can be used to detect the presence of
not recommended for acrylic resin containing passivation
hexavalent chromium on galvanized and zinc/aluminum alloy
treatments.
coated steel surfaces. Hexavalent chromium-bearing treat-
ments (passivates) can be applied to coated steels to prevent 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
storage stain. While passivated 55 % aluminum-zinc alloy standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
coated steel is commonly painted, passivated galvanized steel only.
is not. Chrome passivation may interfere with the successful
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pretreatment of galvanized steel, as well as contaminate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
cleaning and pretreatment baths on a coil coating line.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.2 The amount of hexavalent chromium that will cause the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
indicator to produce a discernible pink color is in the range of
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
0.5 parts per million dissolved in the indicator solution. It is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
possible that a coated steel surface that produces a negative
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
result does have chromium on the surface. If a material that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
yieldsanegativeresultissuspectedofhavingchromiumonthe
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
surface, instrumental methods should be used. Chrome depos-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
its of 1 mg/ft can be easily missed by analytical instruments
such as the scanning electron microscope with energy disper-
2. Referenced Documents
sive x-ray analysis (EDXA) capability. Auger electron spec-
troscopy (AES) or electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2092 Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
(ESCA) can identify chemical species present in the levels
required for adequate detection. Stripping the metallic coating Steel Surfaces for Painting (Withdrawn 2008)
D5723 Practice for Determination of Chromium Treatment
and analyzing for chrome by atomic absorption or inductively
coupled plasma can also give reliable results in detecting the Weight on Metal Substrates by X-Ray Fluorescence
presence of chrome.
3. Apparatus
1.3 This practice is designed to be a qualitative means of
3.1 The following materials will be required to perform the
screening chrome passivated coils from those which are not
stripping procedure:
chrome passivated.
3.1.1 Dark colored or Brown Polyethylene Wash Bottle,
1.4 Some chromium-free passivates are being used com-
(500 mL) or brown glass dropper bottle.
mercially. Although these products will test negative for
3.1.2 TestSpecimens, which may be cut panels or coil stock.
hexavalent chromium, they may interfere with cleaning and
pretreating. Chromium bearing passivates that contain film 4. Reagents
forming constituents such as acrylic resins are also being
4.1 Thefollowingchemicalreagentsarerequiredtoperform
commercially applied. The reaction of these products to the
this procedure:
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service a
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