Grantee Research Project Results

1998 Progress Report: Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection

EPA Contract Number: 68D99084
Title: Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection
Investigators: Tramel, Terri L.
Small Business: Surface Treatment Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through September 1, 2001
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 1997 through September 1, 1998
Project Amount: $224,960
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1999) 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., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, HAPS, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, New/Innovative technologies, acid rain precursors, sulfur dioxide (SO2), catalysts, emissions control, treatment, air emissions, emission controls, TiO2, catalyst composition, control, sorbents, sulfur, emission control technologies, recovery, gaseous effluent streams, air pollutants, emissions contol engineering, pollution control technologies, recovery technologies, sulfur recovery, air pollution, acid rain, gas streams, sorbent technology, Sulfur dioxide, air pollution control

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Final Report

SBIR Phase I:

Pollution-Free Process for Surface Protection  | 1999 Progress Report  | Final Report