Objective
Hexavalent chromium compounds are extensively utilised in the surface treatment of metals and metal plated surfaces. The technique is commonly known as conversion coating or surface chromating. The purpose of this method is to increase resistance to corrosion and oxidation, eg. prior to coating and painting. Applications include zinc, cadmium, tin and silver metal platings and uncoated metals such as steel, silver, copper and its alloys.
The utilisation of Cr(VI) compounds is under threat in response to the highly corrosive and toxic nature of these materials. High concentrations of Cr(VI) compounds are used during the treatment process creating severe safety and effluent problems. Pre-competitive research is therefore essential to identify effective substitutes and maintain industrial competitiveness.
It is proposed to investigate the mechanism by which Cr(VI) exerts its influence on the corrosion resistance of metal surfaces. The techniques and understanding developed will then be applied to the study of substitute processes. Two general approaches will be adopted. Firstly, a method will be explored which involves handling Cr(III) chemicals only. These have a very low toxicity and are not corrosive. Generation of the active Cr(VI) species will only take place in situ by electrochemical polarization of the metal being treated. Cr(VI) will therefore only be present in the film attached to the metal surface.
Secondly, it is proposed to examine alternative systems with no chromium present eg. other oxidising species with very positive redox potentials such as vanadates and appropriate complexing agents such as organic acids.
The methods involve the use of much less hazardous and toxic chemical with a greatly diminished environmental impact. The combination of the new approaches proposed and the strong pressures to replace Cr(VI) provide a powerful incentive for the initiation of research into this topic.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry organic acids
- humanities arts visual arts
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry post-transition metals
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
CHESTER
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.