Replacement of hexavalent chromium

Hexavalent chromium has been used for decades in a large panels of surface treatment activities :

• as chromates for conversion coating,
• as inhibitors for anti-corrosion paint,
• as pretreatment for plastic metallization,
• as electrolyte for hard chromium plating,
• etc.

CrVI compounds are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) and their use had to be banned. Their replacement led to extensive R&D activities around the world during several years.

Since its creation in 2000 Materia Nova has also focussed part of its research activities on the replacement of hexavalent chromium. These are summarized in the following article.