Abstract
Since more than 20 years the EU has funded dozens of collaborative research projects in the field of Surface Treatment. Several Programmes have supported these projects since the First Framework Programme. To-day more than 20 projects, in the frame of the Six Framework Programme are running in this field. We analyse here the topics, the technologies, that have been and are still studied (Physical Vapour Deposition, Laser Surface treatment, Plasma based technologies, Supercritical Carbon Dioxide based Technology, Molecular engineering of Surfaces, Nanostructured coatings, Nanocomposite films, as well as wet coatings, replacement of Cr VI and treatment of effluents). We will finally discuss the possible new routes that could be studied and financed through FP7, in particular in the Nanotechnologies, Materials and Production Programme.
Abstract
The U.S. Hard Chrome Alternatives Team (HCAT) is currently executing projects to qualify HVOF WC/Co and WC/CoCr thermal spray coatings as a technologically superior, cost-effective alternative to electrolytic hard chromium (EHC) plating which is extensively used in manufacturing and repair of military aircraft components. In the HCAT program, three projects on landing gear, propeller hubs and gas turbine engine components have been completed and the technology is being inserted into repair depots. Projects are in progress on hydraulic actuators and helicopter dynamic components. Extensive materials and component testing have generally shown superior performance for the HVOF coatings, leading to lower life-cycle costs for the aircraft.
Abstract
Several important trends are changing the shape of future surface finishing operations in not only North America (NA) but the world. Globalization has resulted in the migration of high volume, low tech (initially) operations from high cost locations to low cost locations. The regulatory environment in the EU and NA, particularly with respect to key metals used in surface finishing processes, is changing supply chain demands, increasing operating costs and exacerbating the migration of operations away from countries in these areas. Prices for metals and energy are rising everywhere. Simultaneously we are seeing significant technological change. Companies are looking for green chemistries to replace conventional processes and there is a significant movement to dry processes as an alternative to conventional wet processes. Nanotechnology is beginning to play a role in surface finishing and new materials are being applied in products which require minimal or no coatings. In addition automation and state of the art process control is reducing operating costs and improving quality in some operations. Survivors must embrace new technologies and manufacturing methods and we must also become much better at managing hazardous processes in a sustainable way. An awareness of the trends shaping the industry should allow companies to not only survive, but thrive, in the future global economy. This paper will address trends shaping the future of surface finishing.
Abstract
We are witnessing an ongoing evolution in the metal finishing industry worldwide. Changes in specifications, finishing materials, application methods, and coatings performance are taking place. Several interrelated factors are driving these changes.
Although Environmental and hazard concerns seem to be leading driver for these changes, other important factors are also involved.
Economical considerations, new performance criteria and higher quality standards are giving rise to a new generation of metal finishing technologies.
The adoption of these changes has in some cases presented a challenge to regulators, manufacturing companies, purchasing, suppliers and applicators.
The paper reviews how these changes are affecting the industry, and examines the impact on major industries such as automotive and aerospace and the outlook for the future is reviewed.
Résumé
Le Pôle Technologique CASIMIR assure une mission d’appui technologique auprès des entreprises de la région Auvergne. Cet appui se traduit sous différentes formes parmi lesquelles des actions collectives en direction d’un secteur d’activité ou d’un groupement d’entreprises.
Les traitements et revêtements de surfaces constituent une composante essentielle de la filière mécanique et travail des métaux. A l’heure des pôles de compétitivité, en particulier de Viaméca sur l’Espace Central (17 départements sur 6 régions), une action visant à renforcer le positionnement des acteurs des TRS auprès des donneurs d’ordres a été engagée avec de nombreux partenaires.
Parmi les objectifs visés, on peut citer :
C’est d’abord un travail important de prospection auprès des sous-traitants, des donneurs d’ordres et des laboratoires de recherche qui a permis l’identification de nombreux projets individuels ou d’actions concernant plusieurs entreprises.
Pour la mise en œuvre de ces actions il a fallu faire appel à un réseau de partenaires constitué d’organismes professionnels, d’ingénieurs experts, de centres techniques, etc.
Démarrée en janvier 2006, cette étude à permis à la fois d’innover et d’anticiper sur les besoins dans ce domaine au cours des années à venir. Elle aura donc contribuée à améliorer le positionnement des sous-traitants du TRS dans la dynamique créée par le pôle de compétitivité Viaméca.
Abstract
On February 28 of this year the US Dept. of Labor OSHA issue a new Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium. This lower then existent limit of 52 micrograms / cubic meter exposure to hexavalent chromium for an eight hour time weighted average to 5 micrograms / cubic meter. OSHA also instituted an Action Level of ½ this amount. Roughly speaking the Action Level is that point when a company must start to expend money. Most of the rest of the industrialize world has a limit of 50 micrograms / cubic meter. The purpose of this paper is not so much to look at what the rule says but more to what chromium plating shops can do to possibly comply with the rule. Items such as the use of liquid chromic acid raw materials, tank covers, mist suppressants, high speed plating baths and spill clean up technologies will be discussed as they apply to this ruling.
Abstract
A main breakthrough in the field of wear resistant coatings is the development of super hard materials where hardness increases dramatically by a nanosized composite structure. Different surface modification techniques are available for the synthesis of such coatings and thin films, ranging from physical and chemical vapour deposition techniques to electroplating and ion implantation. Although existing PVD techniques like magnetron sputtering can be used for depositing nanoscaled coatings, limitations on coating thickness and component size have hampered the application of PVD techniques on engineering components where thick coatings on intricate shapes are required. Recent developments in the synthesis of nano-size powders has opened a new era for thermal spraying as a relevant surface modification technique for producing composite nanostructured thick coatings. Metallic and ceramic particles with a crystallite size smaller than 20 nm are now available.
The feasibility in getting nanostructured coatings synthesised by thermal spraying from nanosized powders is presented. Nanostructured WC-Co type coatings were investigated. These coatings were successfully deposited from engineered nanosized powders using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique, with porosity levels less than 3%. Crystal sizes of around 20-30 nm were confirmed by TEM investigation on these coatings confirming the retention of a nanosize even after thermal spraying. The nanostructured coatings were tested for their tribological characteristics in comparison to common WC-Co coatings used in industry as wear resistant materials. Reasons for the superior performance of nanostructured coatings are reviewed and compared with our findings. Proper selection of spraying technique, spraying parameters, and distribution of phases are shown to be the key factors for achieving nanostructured coatings with an excellent wear resistance.
Abstract
Cold Spraying uses pressurised and heated gas, which is expanded respectively accelerated trough a de Laval nozzle to a supersonic gas jet. Metal particles are load into the jet and are accelerated as well over the so called “critical speed”, from which the material starts to build coatings. The next generation of Cold Gas Systems has an improved gas pressure from 30 to 40 bar and increased gas temperatures from 500°C to 800°C. This gives a significant higher gas and relating particle-velocity, increases the number of coating materials and improves the coating properties like density and bonding strength. This presentation gives an overview about the KINETICS 4000 (the next Generation) Cold Spray system and shows examples of coatings and applications, what gives an impression on the improvement in this technology.
Résumé
Le Cold Spray utilise un gaz chaud sous pression, qui est accéléré dans une buse de De Laval pour établir un jet supersonique. Les particules métalliques sont introduites dans le jet et accélérées à une vitesse minimum appelée « vitesse critique » pour se déposer sur le substrat et former un dépôt. La nouvelle génération de Cold Spray permet d’accroître la pression du gaz de 30 à 40 bar et sa température de chauffage de 500 °C à 800 °C. En augmentant la quantité de gaz et par voie de conséquence la vitesse des particules, la gamme des matériaux projetables est développée tout en améliorant les caractéristiques densité et adhérence des dépôts. La présentation de la nouvelle génération Cold Spray KINETICS 4000 sera suivie d’exemples de dépôts et d’applications démontrant l’efficacité des améliorations apportées à ce matériel.
Abstract
Numerous articles have been published and studies conducted on the chemistry of electroless nickel and its relationship to deposit performance. There is, however, limited information on the combined effects of agitation, loading and stabilizer levels on an EN process performance and the resulting deposit. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of such a study.
An experimental matrix consisting of nearly 200 experiments were conducted on a typical high phosphorus electroless nickel process. Type and intensity of agitation, workload to solution volume ratios and stabilizer levels were all varied and the synergistic effect was evaluated for the following process characteristics:
Results of all experiments will be presented along with recommended process modifications and improvements. An EN plater can implement the practical suggestions with immediate success regardless of electroless nickel type or supplier.
Abstract
Brittle materials tend to the behaviour of failure before deformation at room temperature. Thus, strengthening of brittle materials due to deformation induced compressive residual stresses has been thought to be not advantageous. Nevertheless, investigations on ceramics, which are real brittle materials, had shown that, using specific parameters, shot peening can introduce high compressive residual stresses into the near-surface and improve the near-surface strength.
Based on these results preliminary investigations have been performed to apply the ceramics-specific shot peening technique to the brittle hard chromium coatings which up to now have not been taken credit from such mechanical surface treatment processes. The results show that it is possible to convert the typical tensile residual stresses in chromium coatings into very high compressive residual stresses. These compressive stresses act as crack closing forces, increase the strength under static and cyclic loading conditions and improve the resistance against wear of the coatings and corrosion of the substrate.
Abstract
In recent years, regulatory agencies in Europe and the United States have imposed tighter restrictions on products and processes involving hexavalent chromium, including the European End of Life Vehicle (ELV) and Reporting of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives, as well as US rules governing industrial releases of hexavalent chromium from electroplating and other processes. With the publication in February 2006 of a dramatically reduced Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for workplace exposures to hexavalent chromium, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has accelerated global momentum on imposing tougher requirements on chromium-based electroplating and surface finishing processes. The new US requirement lowers the workplace PEL from 52 ug/m3 to 5 ug/m3, the equivalent of Denmark's OEL for hexavalent chromium. Most other European Union member states still have Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) in the vicinity of 50 ug/m3. This paper will review the rationale behind the new US requirements, the likely operational and competitive impacts on US surface finishing operations, and assess the outlook for future European and global regulatory initiatives on hexavalent chromium.
Résumé
La contrainte règlementaire a conduit les industriels des traitements de surface à réaliser des progrès très conséquents en matière d’épuration.
La réglementation devient de plus en plus contraignante et il y a obligation pour tout nouvel établissement soumis à autorisation d’exploiter, d’étudier les solutions techniquement envisageables pour éviter tout rejet sur son site d’exploitation.
Nous présentons deux schémas possibles pour travailler en zéro rejet liquide utilisant d’une part l’évapo-concentration et d’autre part l’osmose inverse. L’accent sera mis sur les contraintes à réaliser sur les installations pour réduire les débits des eaux de rinçage, les problèmes rencontrés pour chacune des voies choisies et les solutions complémentaires à apporter.
Abstract
Aims of traditional coating companies are the improvement of components lifetime strongly by using new coatings. A novel approach of the associated companies was to optimize required system properties for specific application by varying coating process and studying effects on the whole system. The coating properties to be optimized were, e.g., compressive residual stress states, load bearing capacity or wear resistance. Creating defined gradients of properties in hard chromium coatings by process control we were able to design coated components with application-oriented properties. To be successful with this strategy the close cooperation between SMEs and the Fraunhofer Institutes was necessary in order to establish a deposition technology which is applicable to industrial conditions. Base metals for components which were used for the new coating process were up to now common steels as well as copper. Using fracture mechanical tools and innovative material-scientific methods new models for the assessment of the components were developed.
Abstract
Microstructuring of metal surfaces is gaining importance in several fields of application e.g. electronics, tribological surfaces, catalysts, decorative coatings. Etching and microetching of metal surfaces is a common way for gaining micro structures. Nevertheless, the structuring leads to a (partly) destruction of the material and is requiring mostly a high sophisticated experimental setup.
In the present work, an alternative electrochemical method is used for obtaining microstructured surfaces. Pulse Plating is suggested and tested as tool for tailoring the structure of a metal surface. Based on fundamental electrochemical measurements in order to obtain the electrochemical (and kinetic) parameters of the tested electrolyte systems, pulse plating processes were defined. The application of these processes does not only lead to an general improvement of the materials (especially if compared with etching processes) by e.g. a higher corrosion stability by applying a dense coating of a nobler metal but also allow the very well defined structuring of the treated surfaces. This will be demonstrated on the systems copper and chromium.
Abstract
The paper has studied electroless method for deposition of nickel coatings on nanodiamond powder with reducing agent hypophosphyte ions. The analysed nanodiamond is produced by detonation method. We have presented some characteristics of a coated and of uncoated nanodiamonds. The possibilities for yielding the composites with coated diamond powder are investigated. The microhardness of these composites has been determined. The obtained thin metal film on the grains enables good grasping from the matrix and increases the life of the working pieces.
Résumé
L'inventaire du cycle de vie se fonde sur une enquête minutieuse à laquelle s'est soumise la profession de la galvanisation à façon. L'association Européenne des galvanisateurs (EGGA) a coordonné cette étude de façon à obtenir des résultats représentatifs. Nous discuterons ici de cette initiative. Nous aborderons surtout les applications de ces données intermédiaires dans des situations précises. En France, ce sera la Fiche de Données Environnementales et Sanitaires (FDES) qui sera décrite dans le contexte des applications du Bâtiment. La déclinaison de ces données pourra être envisagée dans d'autres pays Européens."
Abstract
In this paper we will outline the reasoning and methods used to research health and environmental risk adverse, commercially viable, alternatives to chromium coatings derived from hexavalent solutions. Tools for our research include the use of environmental metrics to assess risk of a coating system, and the incorporation of modern materials science, with emphasis on structure, to develop coatings. Alloying elements whose environmental fates are more or less ‘benign’ became a key consideration. The results of our programs have led to development iron and iron alloy deposits as well as chrome alloys derived from trivalent chromium solutions, all possessing unique material properties, complementary to the existing material properties of commercial chromium deposits, that are generally unachievable except by electrodeposition.
Résumé
Au cours de cet article, nous nous efforcerons d'expliquer notre raisonnement et les méthodes utilisées qui nous ont conduits au développement de nouveaux procédés électrolytiques, sans risque environnemental et pour la santé, et économiquement viable, destinés à remplacer les bains de chromage au chrome hexavalent. Lors de notre travail de recherche, nous avons utilisé deux approches successives pour déterminer quel système de dépôts présentait un intérêt particulier. Dans un premier temps, nous avons recouvré toutes données nécessaires à l'estimation des risques environnementaux de chaque système considéré. Et dans un deuxième temps, nous avons utilisé les outils modernes de la science des matériaux, en nous concentrant sur l'aspect structural, pour estimer les propriétés des systèmes sélectionnés. Notre programme nous a conduit au développement de dépôts d'alliage de fer, ainsi que d'alliage de chrome à partir de solutions de chrome trivalent. Tous ces traitements de surface possèdent des propriétés uniques, comparables aux propriétés des dépôts commerciaux de chrome, qui ne peuvent être obtenus que par électrodeposition.
Résumé
L’objet de cette présentation consiste à vous faire découvrir un tout nouveau procédé de conversion chimique de l’aluminium et de ces alliages, qui confère aux surfaces traitées une excellente protection contre la corrosion, notamment sur les alliages riches en cuivre, ainsi qu’une très bonne base d’accrochage pour les revêtements organiques. Ce procédé de conversion, développé par les chercheurs de la Marine Américaine, est à base de chrome trivalent (TCP). La couche générée par cette conversion est totalement exempte de chrome hexavalent. Le TCP remplace très avantageusement le traditionnel procédé à base de chrome hexavalent et répond aux normes MIL 5541 Classe I et III ; MIL 81706 ainsi qu’aux directives Européennes RoHS et ELV. Les domaines d’application de cette conversion sont multiples : Aéronautique ; Automobile ; Equipements électriques et électroniques ; Aluminium bâtiment …etc.
Résumé
Actuellement, les réglementations environnementales incitent les industriels à intégrer des processus de réduction de la pollution à la source. Dans ce contexte, nous proposons de développer un modèle de production plus propre appliqué à l’industrie du traitement de surface par voie aqueuse. Ce modèle se base, entre autre, sur l’étude de l’entraînement (volume de liquide pollué transféré d’un bain à un autre par les pièces).
L’influence de plusieurs paramètres, comme le temps d’égouttage, le temps de rinçage, la rugosité des pièces et la tension de surface, a été évaluée et a montré que l’entraînement peut être réduit de façon significative (jusqu’à 80% dans certains cas). Cette étude permet donc de réduire les flux de polluants générés et de ce fait de se conformer plus aisément à la réglementation. De plus, cette étude permettra d’optimiser et de limiter les consommations d’eau et de réactifs non seulement sur la chaîne mais également en station de détoxication, permettant ainsi une réduction des coûts de fonctionnement.
Abstract
A ZnNi alkaline bath was developed in ELECTRODEP to obtain good-quality and corrosion resistant coatings for automotive applications. However, some changes in the deposition process (surface pre-treatment, bath formulation and conditions for conversion films formation) must be introduced to avoid hydrogen permeation on substrate when a ZnNi is electrodeposited on hard AISI4340 steel. Data about the effect of dehydrogenation thermal post-treatment and the modifications introduced in the electrodeposition process, on composition, structure and mechanical behaviour of coatings are presented.
Abstract
Magnesium alloys have important properties, first of all the very low density in comparison to other alloys for structural applications. Unfortunately, magnesium alloys have some unfavourable properties including poor corrosion resistance, which can be improved by controlling the impurity content in the alloy and by means of protection layers. Among the available techniques, anodic oxidation and powder painting are widely used for coating magnesium alloys. In this paper a method to obtain an anodic oxide film of few micrometers is described. Such film is used to protect from corrosion the metallic substrate and mostly to improve powder coating adhesion. Samples of AM60B magnesium alloys were anodized in alkaline baths at constant cell voltage (60-70 V). After the anodic oxidation treatment, powder coatings were applied on the magnesium oxide film. The morphology and the composition of the anodic film were assessed by XRD and SEM. Corrosion behaviour was investigated by means of electrochemical measurements. Salt spray tests were also performed obtaining good results.
Résumé
Le Club Brouillard Salin (CBBS), dans une démarche parfaitement bénévole, a permis de fédérer l’ensemble de la profession pour mettre au point une nouvelle norme pour la conduite des tests au brouillard salin neutre.
« Le test de corrosion au brouillard salin est le plus utilisé et le plus contesté ». C’est sur cette constatation que le CBBS est né en 1995. La dispersion des résultats était à l’origine de nombreux litiges depuis que, principalement à la demande des constructeurs automobiles, la qualification des revêtements anticorrosion était sanctionnée par les résultats du test en brouillard salin. Le CBBS a formé un groupe de travail avec les représentants de toute la profession du traitement de surface afin de comprendre et d'éradiquer les différences de résultats entre sites. Après 10 ans de réunions du Comité Technique, d’essais et d’exploitation des résultats, le CBBS a rempli sa mission principale. l’AFNOR a publié en décembre 2005 la norme AF 05 109, fille de l' ISO 9227, pour la mise en œuvre du test au brouillard salin.
Le CBBS s’est efforcé, par ses travaux, de fiabiliser le test, d’en établir l'incertitude et de fournir un protocole pertinent, adopté par la profession.
Cette communication retrace le parcours et les résultats du CBBS.
Abstract
Nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide is a widely investigated material, which can be obtained in a relatively simple manner by anodic oxidation of aluminium. Under controlled conditions (i.e. cell voltage, electrolyte composition and temperature, aluminium thermal treatment and surface finish), alumina self-organize forming an highly ordered array of nanopores, whose diameter is tuneable over an extremely wide range of values. Nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide, with its regular pore arrangement, is considered a suitable material for nanotechnological applications. In fact, this material is used in a number of fields, such as biotechnology, optics, fuel cells.
In this paper a general overview on nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide preparation will be presented. Examples on the applications of nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide will be described.
Abstract
Highly ordered porous alumina film can be obtained by two methods : pretexturing and two-step anodizing. Two-step anodizing in oxalic acid is investigated and a comparison between both methods is done. The geometry of these films is characterized by closed packed arrays of columnar hexagonal cells each containing a central pore and their structure depends on many experimental parameters. Relationship between effective growth rate of the porous alumina layer, temperature and anodizing time have been investigated. The growth kinetics are favoured with increasing temperature until 30°C. Above this, the structure is not hexagonally ordered anymore. Disturbances created by the presence of addition elements in the substrate are presented and discussed.
Résumé
Cette étude consiste à utiliser un nouveau floculant organique biodégradable (biofloculant) , dans un procédé physico-chimique (coagulation floculation) pour traiter des rejets liquides chargés de chrome (VI). Nous étudions également l'efficacité de ce nouveau produit vis-à-vis d'autres produits usuellement utilisés dans le domine industriel.
Les études ont été réalisées sur des échantillons pseudo-industriels préparés au laboratoire et des échantillons issus d'une unité de traitement de surface. Dans le but d’épurer ces rejets, nous avons procédé à un traitement physico-chimique à l’aide d’un appareil Jar-test afin d'optimiser les paramètres couramment testés (temps et vitesse d’agitation, temps de précipitation, dose du floculant, pH…).
Une neutralisation et coagulation avec la chaux suivi par une floculation puis une décantation, pour la solution du chrome(6) réduit en chrome(3) a montré un effet très significatif sur l’abattement de la turbidité qui passe de 1000 NTU à des valeurs qui voisinent 0 NTU. En autres on présente dans ce travail le pouvoir absorbant des polluants des argiles marocaines.
L’étude comparative sur le biofloculant avec le floculant industriel PPRQESTOLR 2515.TR (floculant a base d'acrylmide et acrylate de sodium), a montré une très bonne compétitivité avec un fort pouvoir de floculation pour le biofloculant utilisé.
Nous envisageons le même travail sur le traitement physico-chimique des eaux de surface destinées à la consommation humaine.
Ces travaux amènent à des résultats satisfaisants qui incitent notre équipe de recherche à pousser ses recherches afin de trouver des alternatifs qui valorisent nos substances naturelles en utilisant des procédés propres pour le traitement des eaux potables et industrielles.
Résumé
Présentation des critères techniques, économiques et toxicologiques à prendre en compte lors de la substitution du trichloroethylène.
Le procédé co-solvant, une alternative de choix pour le remplacement du trichloroethylène. Présentation du procédé co-solvant, mode de fonctionnement.