CHROMEFREE – Chromium-free replacements for hard chrome plating

"Hard chrome plating is widespread through many industrial sectors due to its excellent combination of hardness and low friction combined with corrosion and wear resistance. The manufacturing process however requires the use of hazardous chromium salts which give rise to health and environmental concerns, leading to an uncertain long-term future due to legislative changes such as REACH.

Electrodeposited metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) have the potential to make a significant improvement to surface properties such as increased microhardness and inherent lubricity. The development of nanotechnology over the last 25 years means that there are now a multitude of nanoparticles, nanowires and nano-tubes in a wide range materials, hence the scope for new nanocomposite coatings is greater than ever. Recent work at Leicester University has resulted in demonstration of the process across a range of coating compositions.

This enables the production of strengthened coatings, with the potential to develop a coating with functional performance equivalent to hard chrome.

Working as a consortium, the present project is taking the work forward to validate the capability with partners JCB, PPUK, NMB Minebea and Weir Valves and Controls for a wide range of industrial applications. Additionally, the technology will be made more broadly available through Tewkesbury Diamond Chrome Plating which provides electroplating services to industry, and through TWI with its network of over 700 industrial members."