The motivation behind ALMAGIC project is to develop new hexavalent chromium-free surface treatments for critical components for the aeronautical engine structures, where the quality assurance must be met.
For decades, the aerospace industry has been, and still is, relying on hexavalent chromium-based (Cr(VI)) compounds (chromates) as active corrosion inhibiting material for the corrosion protection of the structures.
AA number of key players of European space industry have initiated Space Chromate Task Force aiming to postpone the ban to use Cr(VI) compounds in aerospace industry implied by REACH authorisation list (Annex XIV). As a result, and the sunset date for the use of Cr(VI) compounds for surface treatment for aeronautics and aerospace industries is likely to be postponed until year 2024, the current official sunset date is still 21-09-2017 and the use of Cr(VI) will eventually be prohibited for all the industries.
Therefore, the aerospace industry is facing an urgent need to replace the conventional corrosion inhibitor, hexavalent chromium. Regulatory and market drivers are motivating a global effort in the aerospace industry to replace hexavalent chromium-containing materials with chromium(VI)-free alternatives for various applications.
| ALMAGIC project is focused on solving the aforementioned problematic by validating the developed innovative alternatives to Chromium(VI) coatings for aluminium and magnesium alloys. ALMAGIC will ensure the developed solutions comply with the REACH regulations, while all quality aerospace industry standards are met. |
The work is divided in three main research lines:
• Development of chromium(VI)-free conversion coating for magnesium
• Development of aluminium passivation (chromium(VI)-free)
• Development of chromic(VI) acid anodisation alternatives
The methodology for the development of such an appropriate surface treatment to be carried out in ALMAGIC approach is described in the following image:
