Grantee Research Project Results
Non-Chromate Conversion Coatings for Magnesium Alloys Used in Automotive Industry
EPA Contract Number: EPD07043Title: Non-Chromate Conversion Coatings for Magnesium Alloys Used in Automotive Industry
Investigators: Gorman, William C
Current Investigators: Woolsey, Earl R. , Gorman, William C
Small Business: Technology Applications Group, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007
Project Amount: $69,620
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2007) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This SBIR Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of using titanium- or vanadium-based compounds as chemical conversion coatings for magnesium alloys. Magnesium alloys suffer from high corrosion rates and must be coated with either an anodized or chemical conversion coating to minimize corrosion. This idea is based on knowledge gained by the Technology Applications Group, Inc. during the development of anodized coatings for magnesium alloys. It is anticipated that these coatings will allow the use of low-weight magnesium alloy in environmentally aggressive situations in automobile and aircraft applications.
The objectives of Phase I are to: (1) prepare a series of titanium- and vanadium-based formulations, (2) apply the formulations to commonly used magnesium alloys, and (3) measure the salt spray corrosion resistance of unpainted magnesium alloys as well as salt spray scribe migration and paint adhesion of painted specimens. Phase I feasibility will be established if the company succeeds in formulating a coating that performs as well as or better than the widely used automotive chromate conversion coating, NH35.
The most commonly used magnesium coatings are chromate conversion coatings. The toxicity and environmental aspects of chromates are well documented. The primary impact of this project would be the elimination of chromates from the metal finishing industries, which will allow automotive manufacturers to meet environmental mandates while allowing the continued growth of magnesium. Expanded use of magnesium would result in additional fuel savings and/or lower emissions.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, magnesium alloys, anodized coatings, non-chromate conversion coatings, metal finishing products,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, emission reduction, automotive components, chromium free surface finishing, alternative chromate conversion, automotive industryProgress and Final Reports:
The 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.