Maintenance Center Albany Puts the Hex on Hexavalent Chromium: Safer Substitute Found for Anodizing Aluminum Parts

Abstract

The Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) Maintenance Center Albany (MCA) recently replaced a hexavalent chromium (Cr(IV)) anodizing process for aluminum parts with a more benign trivalent chromium process. An important part of LOGCOM's work revolves around the anodization of aluminum parts. The anodizing process oxidizes and creates a protective coating on the metal, also known as a conversion coating. Traditionally hexavalent chromium has been a key ingredient in the process, but hexavalent chromium is also a well-known toxin. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated that hexavalent chromium may cause cancer in workers who breathe airborne emissions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA575303

Entities

People

  • Dale Brown

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aluminum
  • Anodizing
  • Chromium
  • Coatings
  • Conversion
  • Department Of Defense
  • Elements
  • Emission
  • Governments
  • Health
  • High Temperature
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Marine Corps
  • Metals
  • Military Equipment
  • National Security

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.