Project description
Ultra-hard nanocoatings can replace polluting hard chromium
When it comes to ultra-hard surfaces, chromium is king. But it is also toxic to the environment. The EU-funded MOZART project wants to create a sustainable alternative to hard chromium by using nanocomposite coatings. Nanocomposite coatings can offer unique properties for materials, like corrosion resistance or high hardness, based on a layer of nanoparticles. Manufacturers can use existing infrastructure, making them low-cost. Using AI-driven simulations and advanced electroplating techniques, the project will show the use of the new coatings in pilot scale as well as in corporate demonstrations in the manufacturing, automotive and machinery industries.
Objective
The MOZART project proposes sustainable coating solutions for replacement of hard chromium in specific applications based on nano-composite electroplating processes. Nano-composite coatings are potential candidates as durable protective coatings in applications where high wear and corrosion resistance is needed. Their significant advantage compared to other alternative solutions to HC is that they can be produced from the existing infrastructure of plating shops by applying low-cost modification in the lines for the safe integration of nano-particles, keeping thus the investment level low.
The MOZART project proposes a multidisciplinary approach for achieving high quality durable composite coatings as replacement to hard chromium. The proposed technologies have been already validated in the lab scale (TRL 3) on previous EC, national or institutional projects and will reach TRL 5 by the end of the project, validated in pilot scale and real demonstrators. The proper integration and combination of these technologies will bring the nano-composite coatings to the desired technology maturity. More specifically during the MOZART project a combination of technologies will be used under a Safe & Sustainable by Desing strategy: In-silico method (Artificial Intelligence and Simulations), on-line monitoring technologie, chemical functionalization of nanoparticles and advance electroplating techniques.
The novel nano-composite coatings will be tested in demonstrators introduced from companies (SMEs or LEs) in the field of manufacturing, automotive and machinery.
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Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
20133 Milano
Italy