Development of a Functional Trivalent Chromium Electroplating Process: An Innovation Is Not Equivalent to an Invention
Abstract
Faraday Technology Inc. is a research, development and engineering firm developing electrochemical innovations based has pulse/pulse reverse electrolytic principles [1]. One of Faraday’s current activities is directed towards the development of an innovative functional chrome plating process based on a trivalent chromium electrolyte to replace hexavalent chromium plating. Hexavalent chromium plating has been used for many decades to provide hard, durable coatings with excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties. However, hexavalent chromium has come under increasing scrutiny due to the toxic nature of the bath, effects on the environment, and workers’ health. Faraday has demonstrated that the chrome coatings prepared using the FARADAYIC(R) Process have equivalent functional properties to the coatings produced with a hexavalent chromium bath. The data demonstrates equivalent or superior: 1) plating rate, 2) Knoop hardness, 3) current efficiency, 4) hydrogen embrittlement behavior, 5) adhesion, 6) corrosion resistance, 7) porosity, 8) thickness, 9) Taber Abrasion, Ball on Flat Reciprocating and Dithering wear resistance, and with no hexavalent chromium formation in the bath. A key component of Faraday’s commercialization model is to license the intellectual property (patents and know-how) associated with its electrochemical innovations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.1149/ma2016-02/24/1751
Entities
People
- E. J. Taylor
- Maria E. Inman
- Savidra Lucatero
- Stephen Snyder
- Timothy D. Hall