Grantee Research Project Results

Environmentally Acceptable Substitute for Chrome Plating Implant

EPA Contract Number: 68D40027
Title: Environmentally Acceptable Substitute for Chrome Plating Implant
Investigators: Bunker, Stephen N.
Small Business: Implant Sciences Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1994 through March 1, 1995
Project Amount: $54,957
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1994) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Electroplating is a hazardous industrial process which is now the object of Government and business initiatives to reduce environmental pollution. In particular, plating is used to coat thick chromium on electronics and aerospace components. The proposed approach uses a cathodic arc to produce a very high rate deposition of chromium onto a workpiece while avoiding the toxic chrome compounds of plating baths. Novel techniques are described to augment the flux to a rate actually exceeding plating itself, yet producing a low stress, thick coating on complex-shaped parts. The process could also be used for cadmium and zinc plating. As regulations and directives increasingly limit chrome plating in the U.S., an alternative and environmental safe chrome coating technology is essential.

Supplemental Keywords:

RFA, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Chemistry, HAPS, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemistry and Materials Science, 33/50, Environmental Engineering, substitute for chrome plating implant , chromium & chromium compounds, cathodic arc, electroplating, Chromium Compounds, chromium plating

Progress and Final Reports:

Final