Chemical Blackening

Black oxide is unlike any other finish.
No other process
produces the same finish and combination of properties for
less cost. Black oxide has certain properties and
characteristics that makes it ideal for certain applications.
What is it?
Black oxide is a conversion coating formed by a chemical reaction produced when parts are immersed in
the alkaline aqueous salt solution operated at approximately 285 degrees F. The reaction between the
iron of the ferrous alloy and the hot oxide bath produces a magnitite (Fe3 O4) on the actual surface of
the part. It is possible to oxidize non-ferrous metals under suitable conditions to form black oxides. It is
possible to apply black oxide at room temperature, however it is not possible to achieve all of the
benefits available from the "hot" oxide process. The cold black oxide process routinely shows color
variation from part to part and the black material frequently rubs off in your hands. The cold process
does not meet military or automotive specifications. Therefore the remainder of this article addresses
the "hot" black oxide process.
How is the process performed?
The five basic steps for the black oxide conversion coating are clean; rinse; black oxide; rinse;
supplementary coating (after-finish). If rust or scale is present on the part, additional steps such as acid
pickling or alkaline de-scaling may have to be added before oxiding. Neutralizing and/or further rinsing
may be necessary on assemblies and parts with blind holes to eliminate "flowering" or bleed-out. Black
oxide cannot be produced over plated parts (zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, phosphate). This plating
must be stripped prior to the black oxide process.
The supplementary coating (after-finish) will dictate the final appearance and function of the part. When
a print or drawing specifies "Black Oxide" without any specific after-finish, it is interpreted as Black Oxide
and Oil. It is recommended that an after-finish is always applied, as black oxide without an after-finish
has very poor corrosion protection. However, with an oil, wax, or lacquer, it is possible to achieve
excellent indoor corrosion protection (100+ hrs. in a humidity cabinet). Black oxides on steel are not
suitable for severe outdoor applications or corrosive environments, but they can provide superior
humidity cabinet results with proper supplementary coating. Black Oxides on Stainless steel and/or brass
alloys will yield excellent corrosion protection, primarily due to their inherent properties.
The after-finish is usually determined by the part configuration and the end-use. If a "dry-to-touch" finish
is needed, it is important to specify either Oil spin dry to touch, wax or lacquer. The oil after-finish will
generally be a glossy finish, whereas the wax will be more matte. It is possible to use a torque/tension
wax to provide added lubricity and reduced drive torque.
In order to determine the appropriate after-finish, you must first evaluate which after-finish to use. The
following factors should be considered:
 Length of protection required

 Desired finished appearance (gloss/matte)
 Storage conditions (humidity, vapor, temperature)
 Final application
Test Procedures
Visual Test - The black oxide coating shall exhibit a satisfactory appearance. The black oxide coating shall
cover the basis metal completely and shall be a uniform shade of black. The part shall show no evidence
of pitting, intergranular attack, or etching. Please note: Black oxide does not exhibit a smoothing effect
like plating or painting. Pre-existing scratches, tool marks, pits, scribe lines, and other surface defects will
be visible after finishing (although they will be black).
Smut Test - Smut is a black or dark-colored, powdery residue, which comes off on the hand when
rubbed. Such tests shall be performed prior to the application of the after-finish.
Relative Humidity Test - Testing per ASTM D 2247, Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of
Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity.
The advantages of black oxide are:
 No dimensional changes: The as-formed dimensions do not change (as they do when plated or
painted). Black oxide is a coloring of the base metal, no metal is removed or deposited.
 Dark black color: (No patina or rainbow effect) The surface of the part may be shiny or matte
depending on the surface of the part and the after finish applied. For example, a polished surface
will retain its luster after black oxidizing.
 The finish will not chip, peel, flake, or rub off: Black oxide can only be removed by mechanically
or chemically removing the finish itself.
 Reduces light glare (reflection):Black oxide makes an excellent finished surface for moving parts
such as hand tools and machine parts. The reduction in reflectivity reduces eye fatigue and is less
distracting.
 Can be coated for additional protection: Black oxide finishes with supplementary treatments
("after-finishes") improve the appearance, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance of the
part to which they are applied. The normal after-finishes are Oil, Wax, Lacquer, and Chromic
Seals. The part configuration and the end-use will help to determine which after-finish to specify.
 Improved lubrication characteristics: Black oxidized parts have improved lubricity and anti-
galling characteristics due to the after-finish (oil or wax) resulting in smoother running, mating
parts.
 Color change resistant to temperature: Black oxide finishes can be exposed to a temperature of
900 degrees F. (482 degrees C.) before the color begins to change.
 No hydrogen embrittlement: The black oxide process does not require an acid activation nor is it
an electro-process; therefore, hydrogen embrittlement is not a factor. If the parts are scaled or
rusty and an acid pickle is required, any hydrogen that may have evolved will quickly dissipate in
the black oxide tank (running temp. 285 degrees F). Any remaining hydrogen will be completely
dissipated within 48 hours after processing.
 No white corrosion: The finished part does not have a "white-corrosion" state as some electro-
plated parts exhibit over time. This makes black oxide an excellent finish for parts used internally
on electronic components. The small white corrosive flecks are conductive and may cause an
electrical short.
 Weldable: Welding black oxided parts does not produce noxious fumes nor hamper the ease with
which a part can be welded as may be encountered by welding plated or painted parts.

Chemical Blackening

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Chemical Blackening

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Black oxide is unlike any other finish.

How is the process performed?

 Length of protection required

The advantages of black oxide are:

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