Non-Chromated Surface Pretreatments for Aluminum
Abstract
Chromates, particularly Chromium VI, have been widely used in aerospace processes and materials due to their excellent performance as corrosion inhibitors. These processes range from inorganic pretreatment processes (alkaline cleaners, deoxidizers, conversion coatings, etc.) to organic protective coatings (primers, sealants, fuel tank coatings, etc.). Recently, regulatory agencies have enacted legislation to limit or prohibit the use and disposal of chromium containing materials because Chromium VI is now a known carcinogen. These rules affect the majority of the pretreatment processes used on naval aircraft, necessitating the development of non-chromated replacements for the current materials. After an extensive research and development effort, several promising alternatives to chromated alkaline cleaners, deoxidizers and conversion coatings have been identified. As a result of this work, implementation of non-chromate cleaning and deoxidizing materials at Naval Aviation Depots have already resulted in significant cost savings in both processing and waste disposal. Full implementation of these alternatives at all naval levels of maintenance (organizational, intermediate and depot facilities) will result in a major reduction of hazardous waste generated by the Navy. This report describes the RDT and E effort to develop these non-chromated alternatives....Pretreatments, Organic coatings, Inorganic coatings, Chromate conversion coatings, Environmentally compliant materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA260130
Entities
People
- Stephen J. Spadafora
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Divison