Grantee Research Project Results
Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection
EPA Contract Number: 68D98148Title: Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection
Investigators: Tramel, Terri L.
Small Business: Surface Treatment Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $69,667
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
A newly invented technology (patent pending) provides convincing evidence of its potential to successfully respond to two areas of interest new and simple no-emission chrome plating and long-life coatings that have reduced environmental impact in both manufacture and use. Over one year of laboratory development and testing demonstrate that the response to both inquires will be positive. The purpose of this SBIR project is to investigate and prove the extent of applicability of the technology. The process is called Laser Induced Surface Improvement (LISI) and is performed by alloying precursor materials into an underlying substrate using the laser as a heat source. Permanent chromium-rich surfaces with a controlled thickness can be generated in an entirely environmentally friendly process, i.e., no harmful effluents or residuals. Several other precursor materials have been successfully used in the surface alloys on a variety of substrate materials. Unlike some competing techniques, LISI produces a nonporous, crack-free surface without need of a special environment for application. Preprocess cleaning of the substrate material is minimal, further reducing both costs and environmental concerns. The resulting molecular bond assures no delamination, chipping, or pealing of the protective surface. Testing has demonstrated surface protection from corrosion, erosion, impact, and thermal cycling.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, pollution prevention, engineering, chemistry, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Waste, Sustainable Industry/Business, hexavalent chromium waste, hexavalent chromium, Chemical Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, 33/50, Environmental Engineering, laser induced surface improvement, cleaner production, dry plating, environmentally conscious manufacturing, green design, hard chromium plating , waste minimization, waste reduction, environmentally benign coating, emission control technologies, chromium & chromium compounds, Chromium, clean technology, chromate substitution, alternative materials, emission controls, metal finishing, metal plating industry, chrome plating, coating processes, production processes, chromium plating, alternative metal finishing, innovative technology, emission reductions, air emissions, coatings, industrial innovations, pollution prevention, emissions contol engineering, metal plating, alternative metal coating, green technologyProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection | 1998 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.