Pera International is pleased to announce the launch of a new research project on chromate-free coatings for application in the aerospace and defence sectors. The chosen research partner is PRA World Limited which through its predecessor companies has had a global reputation for serving innovation since 1926. The research results will be disseminated to interested companies by both Pera International and PRA World Limited.

Hexavalent chromium is included within the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation as it is a known carcinogen and the waste produced, in manufacturing processes, is classified as a hazardous waste. As such, the associated manufacturing companies are required to gain authorisation to continue to use the chemical which is regarded as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Therefore, the challenge for the aerospace and defence industries is to create a high-performance hexavalent chromate-free (‘Cr VI-free’) coating capable of operating under extreme environmental conditions for the safe and reliable operation of aircraft and military vehicles.

In the absence of detailed alternative systems, it is important to research the options for chromate-free substitutes that can meet the demanding performance requirements experienced on aircraft & land vehicle structures. The project will evaluate the current advancements in the development and processing of alternative ‘chromate-free’ technologies and assess their potential to be a viable option to replace hexavalent chromates.

Please follow the link https://www.pra-world.com/2019/08/21/chromate-free-coatings-sysems-for-aerospace-and-defence-applications/ to a review which identifies the alternatives to hexavalent chromium for corrosion protection in aerospace applications and summarises their suitability, commercial availability and likely widespread adoption.

Interested companies should initially email the PRA World Limited Managing Director Ian Hay – i.hay@pra-world.com