ABSTRACT Deposition of interference film is an alternative way for the formation of colored protective layers on the surface of stainless steels for decorative applications. The process involves growth of a chromium oxide film by electrochemical methods using in general sulphochromic solutions. However, it is well known that chromic acid contains Cr(VI), which is highly toxic, demanding special effluent treatments in order to avoid environmental pollution. The aim of the present work is to evaluate alternative chromium free solutions for coloration of stainless steel by an electrochemical method as a trial to avoid the Cr(VI) presence to achieve an environmentally friendly process. The morphology and corrosion resistance of the conversion coatings obtained from sodium vanadate solution were comparatively evaluated with a sample coloured in a sodium molybdate solution containing chromium and in a sulfochromic solution currently used in industrial coloration process. The corrosion behaviour of the colored samples was evaluated by using anodic potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The steel colored in a solution containing chromium and molybdenum ions showed the lowest corrosion resistance and a more porous and heterogeneous film than the other steel samples colored using vanadate and sulfochromic solutions. An electrochemical processing using a sodium vanadate solution can be a chromium free alternative for industrial application.

The aim of this work was to characterize thin interference films grown on the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel for decorative purposes. Films were grown in a sulphochromic solution at room temperature by an alternating pulse current method. The morphology and chemical state of the elements in the films were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES), and infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR). Depth-sensing indentation (DSI) experiments and wear abrasion tests were employed to assess the mechanical resistance of the films. The coloration process resulted in porous thin films which increased the surface roughness of the substrate. The interference films mainly consisted of hydrated chromium oxide containing iron. Increasing film thickness produced different colors and affected the mechanical properties of the coating-substrate system. Thicker films, such as those producing gold and green colors, were softer but more abrasion resistant.

Em função da crescente demanda de utilização do aço inoxidável, na arquitetura, como material de revestimento externo e, considerando a preocupação dos órgãos de controle ambiental com a poluição no meio urbano, foram avaliados os efeitos da chuva ácida nas condições superficiais do aço inoxidável colorido e na lixiviação de cromo para o ambiente. Para esse estudo, foram realizados, em laboratório, ensaios de imersão de chapas de aço inoxidável colorido e natural em solução simulada de chuva ácida, sendo avaliados a liberação de cromo para a solução e a alteração da aparência superficial das amostras em tempos de exposição de 1, 3, 7, 14 e 28 dias. Nas amostras de aço inoxidável, com e sem coloração, foram medidos a cor e o brilho e, para soluções ácidas remanescentes, foram realizadas análises de cromo total e cromo hexavalente. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que, independente do tempo de contato do aço inoxidável colorido com a solução de chuva ácida, houve preservação da aparência do material, sem alteração das condições superficiais, e o teor de cromo hexavalente na solução se apresentou em níveis muito inferiores aos estabelecidos pelo Conselho de Política Ambiental de Minas Gerais - COPAM.

Considering the increase of stainless steel application for exteriors in architecture and governmental environment protection policies, the effect of acid rain exposure on the surface appearance and chromium release of colored stainless steel and uncolored substrate was investigated. Laboratory experiments were conducted by immersing stainless steel samples in an artificial acid rain solution for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days exposure. The surface appearance of the samples was evaluated by color and brightness measurements and chromium release by chemical analysis of total and hexavalent chromium. The obtained results have shown that the surface appearance of the stainless steel was preserved and the chromium release was lower than the levels permitted by the Brazilian local environment protection agency for water quality in Minas Gerais State.