PrimeCoat® A109 – Chrome-Free Pre-treatment for Aluminum Coil and Cold-Rolled Steel
PrimeCoat® A109 is a water-based, chromium-free metal surface pre-treatment produced using advanced nanotechnology; it serves as an effective alternative to traditional chromate pre-treatment systems and is specifically developed for aluminum coil and cold-rolled steel.

PrimeCoat® A109 pretreatment chemical is free from chromium, fluoride, formaldehyde, and SVHCs, helping to meet increasingly stringent environmental and chemical safety requirements in industrial manufacturing. This Chrome-Free solution is crucial for those seeking safer alternatives.
The bonding performance of PrimeCoat® A109 has been evaluated in combination with various coating systems—such as single-coat, primer/topcoat, and powder coating systems—including PVDF, polyester, and polyurethane.
When subjected to wet conditions—including humidity, boiling water, and acid salt spray tests—the product demonstrated superior performance across all evaluations.
Key Advantages of PrimeCoat® A109
1. Water-based, Chrome-Free product
PrimeCoat® A109 is a water-based, chrome-free pretreatment chemical that aligns with the shift toward safer and more sustainable surface treatment technologies.
It serves as a replacement for traditional no-rinse chromate pretreatment systems while maintaining the necessary corrosion resistance and adhesion performance for metal surfaces.
2. Improved paint adhesion
A significant advantage of PrimeCoat® A109 is its ability to enhance adhesion between the metal surface and the paint coating.

For coil-coating systems, PrimeCoat® A109 creates a stable base layer, promoting stronger paint adhesion on aluminum or zinc-alloy coated steel surfaces.
3. Enhanced adhesive bonding
In addition to paint adhesion, the PrimeCoat® A109 pretreatment chemical improves adhesive bonding characteristics on metal surfaces. This is particularly important for applications requiring high bond strength, such as construction materials, pre-painted aluminum sheets, pre-painted coated steel, or components requiring bonding.
4. Excellent corrosion resistance
When used with compatible primer and topcoat systems, PrimeCoat® A109 provides excellent corrosion resistance, comparable to traditional no-rinse chromate pretreatment systems.
According to technical specifications, the product can withstand 1,000 to 2,000 hours of acid salt spray testing with less than 1 mm of corrosion, depending on the coating system and application conditions.

5. Can replace the primer layer in certain coating systems
PrimeCoat® A109 offers excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance, enabling it to replace the primer layer in suitable coating systems. This simplifies processes, optimizes costs, and boosts production efficiency.
Applications of PrimeCoat® A109 in manufacturing
PrimeCoat® A109 is primarily used in the pre-treatment stage prior to coating or adhesive bonding on metal surfaces.
The product is suitable for the following processes:
- Aluminum pre-treatment prior to coating
- Galvanized steel pre-treatment
- Zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coated steel pre-treatment
- Continuous coil-coating processes
- Single-layer coating systems on aluminum
- Primer/topcoat systems
- Powder coating
- Applications requiring high adhesion and corrosion resistance
PrimeCoat® A109 pre-treatment chemistry has been evaluated with various coating systems—such as PVDF, polyester, and polyurethane—under conditions including humidity exposure, humidity testing, boiling water immersion, and acid salt spray testing.
Application Method for PrimeCoat® A109
Step 1. Surface Preparation
PrimeCoat® A109 pretreatment chemical should be applied to a clean, dry metal surface. If the metal substrate is oily, the surface must first be cleaned using a suitable alkaline cleaner. Proper surface cleaning ensures uniform distribution of the pretreatment layer, thereby enhancing adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Step 2. Product Dilution
PrimeCoat® A109 pretreatment chemical must be diluted with demineralized water. Using demineralized water minimizes impurities that could affect coating quality and the stability of the treatment solution.
Step 3. Application Method
In continuous metal strip processing, the preferred method is chem-coater roll coating. Alternatively, flood coating or spray application may be used to achieve a wet film of precise thickness. The wet film thickness typically ranges from 1 to 4 microns, depending on technical specifications and line conditions.
Step 4. Drying Process
The drying process is considered successful when water evaporates rapidly and the coating reaches a touch-dry state immediately after the drying zone or oven. For a wet film thickness of 1–4 microns, the peak metal temperature must reach at least 40°C to ensure rapid water evaporation and stable coating formation. After drying, the PrimeCoat® A109 coating must not be rinsed or cooled with water.
Learn More
1. Chrome-Free Passivation Solutions
Chrome-free passivation is a technology that creates a chemical conversion layer on metal surfaces without the use of any chromium compounds. This protective layer enhances corrosion resistance, inhibits the formation of white rust, and improves surface quality prior to further processing or coating. The product is completely free of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) and other forms of chromium, fully complying with international environmental standards such as RoHS and REACH.
2. Trivalent Chromium (Cr³⁺) Passivation
The PrimeCoat® Z80x Series is a chemical product line developed using Phosphate/Silane technology, designed to deliver superior corrosion resistance while aligning with eco-friendly manufacturing trends. PrimeCoat® Z80x was developed to replace Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺)-based passivation systems, enabling businesses to transition to chrome-free technology without compromising surface protection or corrosion resistance across various industrial applications. The product complies with RoHS and REACH standards, helping businesses reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.
3. Solvent-Replacement Cleaner
MM31® was developed to optimize the entire surface treatment process—both before and after mechanical machining. Treatment with MM31® not only ensures a completely clean metal surface but also creates a conversion coating that offers numerous benefits: it enhances paint adhesion, ensuring a stronger bond between the coating and the metal substrate; minimizes peeling during use; improves corrosion resistance, providing superior protection against moisture and harsh environments; and inhibits rust formation.
4. Specialized Information
We continuously update our articles and the latest industry news to provide information tailored to the specific needs of each client.
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Value-Added Services from DK CHEMICALS
Beyond supplying surface treatment chemicals from AD CHEMICALS, DK CHEMICALS assists customers in optimizing production processes and enhancing the operational efficiency of their production lines.
Key value-added benefits include:
- In-depth technical consultation.
- Production cost optimization. hg
- Product quality enhancement.
- Reduction of production defect rates.
- Increased market competitiveness.
- Support for the implementation of eco-friendly technologies.
DK CHEMICALS’ team of experts possesses practical experience with continuous production lines, helping clients select the most suitable solutions for specific materials and technical requirements. Please contact us for in-depth consultation!

D.K. Chemicals Co., Ltd.
Address: 20 Street No. 8, Cityland Park Hills Residential Area, Go Vap Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0909678599
Email: de@dk-chemicals.vn

