Objective
In the process of designing and manufacturing components for aeronautical application in both, Russian and Western countries, Cadmium-coating is considered as the basic type of corrosion protection for steel parts. This protection is mainly achieved by the unique package of high protection capabilities of cadmium in most corrosion-active conditions and in combination with its mechanical properties (low friction coefficient, plasticity).
However the present situation with the environmental pollution, especially in large cities, and the corresponding law making urgently requires finding ways of replacing toxic electrolytes and coatings.
Cadmium-compounds are extremely harmful for the biosphere. Besides direct toxic influence on animate organisms and vegetation, cadmium is also very harmful for humans, initiating affection of kidney and liver, anemia, skeleton deformation and variation of the blood composition. Cadmium can also cause cancer and genetic mutations.
In today's practice the principal efforts for Cadmium-coatings replacement are the development of the technologies of Zn-alloy coatings production, using electrolytic processes as well as the improvements of the technique of additional treatment, enhancing thereby the protective properties of such coating.
The validity of any new process for aeronautical application goes along with the verification of its properties through a number of standardized tests under typical environmental conditions. Of major importance is also the influence of a coating on the substrate: e.g. corrosion of the coating may cause re-embrittlement of the substrate material or hydrogen diffusion in the substrate may occur.
This project aims to develop an optimal process for a new, environmentally friendly coating process and to demonstrate its capability to efficiently replace the currently used Cadmium Plating Process.
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
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BS99 7AR Bristol
United Kingdom