About the Project:

Recent Alternatives for Chromate Conversion Coatings

A new NCMS collaborative project is now being formed to evaluate replacements for chromate conversion coatings. Chromate, a human carcinogen, involves significant health and environmental risks. It is widely used for corrosion protection on aluminum and other metals, and it has been difficult to find acceptable substitutes for many applications.

Three years ago, NCMS issued a widely-distributed report of a project which tested 29 chromate-free substitute coatings on 5 different aluminum alloys in several standard tests. Since then, a number of suppliers have developed new candidates for chromate replacement. Several participants in the previous NCMS project have asked to form a new project to extend the information to the recently developed coatings.

The information is also of great interest to the maintenance and repair facilities operated by the U. S. armed services, since chromate coatings are used for many repair applications, and since the costs and potential liabilities associated with chromate use are increasing. Defense facilities are welcome to participate in the new project, which will be funded under the NCMS Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Applications (CTMA) program.

The original idea for the project was submitted in a project concept paper to the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Logistics), the office responsible for administering the CTMA program. The concept was approved for formation and funding in October, 1998.

Statement of Work