Fengfan Chemical Derusting Rust Removing Agent 988 For Metal Pre Treatments Use

988 Derusting Agent

Properties

• The Rust Removal Agent 988 can speed up the removal of rust and black rust while maintaining the true color of metal. It has no side effects on baths and the coatings. Furthermore, it has some degreasing effect.
• It inhibits acid fog extremely strongly and does not produce gas. It can improve working conditions and reduce the corresponding acid fog pumping system pipelines.
• It can extend the lifespan of chloric acid, reduce the usage of chloric acid and wastewater discharge.
• This rust removal agent features good corrosion inhibition under normal conditions. The steel will not be over-corroded within a few hours., which reduces the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement.
•  It is applicable to the pre-treatments for metal workpieces like low-carbon and medium-carbon steel wires, cold strips and plated tubes.

II. Technical Formulation and Operating Conditions

 

Operational Positioning for Surface Finishing Lines
The Chemical Derusting Agent 988 is a specialized pre-treatment compound designed for the vigorous removal of rust, mill scale, and oxide layers from iron and steel substrates. It targets facility managers and line supervisors in metal plating services who struggle with inconsistent cleaning results on heavily corroded parts. Unlike generic hydrochloric acid baths that can pitting and over-etch, Agent 988 incorporates advanced corrosion inhibitors and wetting agents. It functions not just as a cleaner but as a surface activator, ensuring that the base metal is chemically receptive to subsequent layers. Ideally suited for automotive and industrial parts refurbishing, this agent serves as a reliable foundational step, allowing any electroplating supplier to guarantee the adhesion quality of their final finish, minimizing rework rates caused by poor surface preparation.

Chemical Formulation and Inhibition Parameters
Technically, Agent 988 is formulated to operate in high-acid environments, enhancing the pickling efficiency of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid baths. Its core parameter is its high inhibition efficiency (>95%), which strictly limits the acid's attack on the base metal once the oxide layer is dissolved. This "Selective Etching" capability is crucial for dimensional tolerance control on precision machined parts. The formula includes specific surfactants that lower surface tension, allowing the acid to penetrate deep into micropores and weld seams. As a key component of robust plating solutions, it prevents the formation of smut and reduces the risk of hydrogen embrittlement by controlling the hydrogen evolution rate at the metal surface, a critical factor for high-tensile steel processing.

Industrial Application and Process Integration
In the broader context of metal plating, Agent 988 is indispensable for preparing fasteners, chassis components, and wire goods before zinc, copper, or nickel plating. Its application value lies in its ability to handle variable incoming material conditions—from light flash rust to heavy heat-treat scale—without changing the line speed. It integrates seamlessly into existing pickling tanks, extending the life of the acid bath by preventing metal saturation. For manufacturers, utilizing professional electroplating chemicals like Agent 988 means achieving a brighter, smoother final plate. It eliminates the "haze" often seen under the plating layer caused by residual oxides, thereby elevating the aesthetic and functional quality of the finished product to meet stringent OEM standards.


Product Advantages

Intelligent Substrate Protection Matrix
The structural design of Agent 988 features an "Intelligent Inhibition Matrix." In standard acid pickling, the acid aggressively attacks the steel substrate immediately after removing the rust, leading to pitting and material loss. Our matrix adsorbs onto the clean metal surface, forming a temporary molecular shield that halts acid attack while allowing the acid to continue dissolving the remaining oxides. This innovative mechanism ensures that the structural integrity of the part is preserved. For an electroplating supplier recommending process improvements, this feature is a key selling point. It prevents the "Swiss cheese" effect on delicate threads and fine features, ensuring that the dimensions of the part remain within tolerance after the derusting process, reducing scrap rates significantly.

Surfactant-Assisted Soil Removal
Agent 988 integrates a robust module of emulsifying surfactants that provide a dual-action cleaning effect. While its primary function is derusting, the added surface tension modifiers allow it to undercut and displace light oil films and shop soils that might have survived the alkaline degreasing stage. This system adaptability ensures a "Fail-Safe" cleaning protocol. By improving the wettability of the metal surface, it ensures that the plating solutions in subsequent steps can spread evenly without beading. This functionality is unique compared to raw acid baths; it prevents the re-deposition of soils and smut, creating a pristine, water-break-free surface that is the absolute prerequisite for high-quality metal plating adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Operational Safety and Mist Suppression
From a user interaction perspective, Agent 988 is designed to improve the working environment of the plating shop. Pickling baths typically generate choking acid fumes that corrode equipment and harm operators. Our formulation includes a high-efficiency fume suppressant that creates a foam blanket on the tank surface, trapping acid mist. This innovation improves air quality and protects overhead crane systems and electronics from corrosion. For facilities offering metal plating services, this translates to lower maintenance costs and better health and safety compliance. The reduced evaporation also means less acid consumption over time. This focus on the "human element" of chemical processing makes Agent 988 a preferred choice for modern, sustainable production environments dealing with aggressive electroplating chemicals.


Use Scenarios

Restoring Oxidized Steel Components
A Line Supervisor at a refurbishment facility is tasked with plating vintage automotive parts that are heavily rusted. Standard acid dips strip too much metal, ruining the part's fit. The supervisor introduces Agent 988 into the hydrochloric acid tank. The unique inhibitor system removes the thick rust layers completely without etching the underlying steel markings or threads. The result is a clean, metallic grey surface ready for restoration. The supervisor relies on these specialized electroplating chemicals to salvage parts that would otherwise be scrapped, allowing the shop to offer premium restoration services with confidence.

High-Tensile Fastener Processing
A Quality Assurance Engineer in a fastener manufacturing plant is addressing hydrogen embrittlement failures in Grade 8.8 bolts. The root cause is identified as uncontrolled pickling where excessive hydrogen is absorbed by the steel. The engineer mandates the use of Agent 988 in the pre-treatment line. The agent's selective inhibition drastically reduces hydrogen evolution at the cathode sites on the metal surface. This process adjustment ensures that the bolts retain their tensile strength after metal plating. The engineer documents a significant drop in delayed fracture failures, validating the use of high-performance additives in critical safety applications.

Automated Plating Line Integration
A Plant Operations Director manages a high-volume automatic zinc plating line. They face issues with "acid drag-out" contaminating the subsequent rinse tanks and flux baths. By switching to a pickling solution fortified with Agent 988, the improved drainage properties (due to lower surface tension) reduce drag-out by 20%. The Director observes that the rinse water remains cleaner for longer, and the load on the waste treatment plant decreases. This scenario highlights how advanced plating solutions contribute to operational efficiency. The smoother surface finish achieved also allows the subsequent zinc layer to deposit faster and brighter, increasing the overall throughput of the metal plating services provided.


About Us

Shandong Fengfan Electrochemical is a distinguished leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of surface finishing technologies. With a deep commitment to industrial efficiency, we serve as a primary partner to the global metal plating industry. Our expertise extends beyond plating additives to critical pre-treatment solutions like the Chemical Derusting Agent 988. We function as a comprehensive electroplating supplier, providing the essential chemical foundation that ensures high-quality finishing results. Our state-of-the-art facility synthesizes proprietary inhibitors and surfactants that define the performance of our products. We support a wide network of automotive, aerospace, and construction component manufacturers, helping them solve difficult surface preparation challenges. Our R&D team is dedicated to creating electroplating chemicals that balance aggressive cleaning power with substrate protection and environmental safety. We are committed to empowering our clients to achieve defect-free adhesion and superior corrosion resistance through scientifically proven chemical engineering.
Contact our technical support team to optimize your pre-treatment line!


FAQ

What acids can Agent 988 be used with?
Agent 988 is a versatile additive designed to work primarily with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4). It enhances the pickling action of these acids while providing inhibition protection, making it suitable for various metal plating pre-treatment lines.

Does this agent prevent hydrogen embrittlement?
Yes, significantly. By inhibiting the attack on the base metal, Agent 988 minimizes the generation of atomic hydrogen during the pickling process. This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of high-tensile steels processed by metal plating services.

Can it remove mill scale as well as rust?
Absolutely. Agent 988 is effective against both red rust (iron oxide) and the hard blue-black mill scale found on hot-rolled steel. It helps undercut the scale for easy removal without over-etching, serving as a robust component of plating solutions.

What is the recommended concentration?
The usage concentration depends on the severity of the rust and the type of acid used, typically ranging from 0.5% to 5% by volume. Your electroplating supplier can provide a specific dosing chart based on your operating conditions.

Does it create a foam blanket?
Yes, Agent 988 contains surfactants that generate a controlled foam layer on the bath surface. This suppresses hazardous acid mists, improving shop air quality and protecting equipment from corrosion, a key feature of modern electroplating chemicals.