A review on the environment friendly electroplating of Cr (III) & Cr (VI)

Abstract

Chromium plating process is the most effective way of protecting the base material against hostile environment or improving surface properties of base material. There are several problems with traditional chrome plating. Traditional process uses toxic acid baths and may cause various health conditions. The baths employed contain chromic acid in which the chromium is in the hexavalent state. Hexavalent chromium has been proved to have toxic, mutagenic and cancerogenic effects for human health. As a result, In Europe, the implementation of the reach initiative will increase fees on companies still using Cr (VI) in 2017 and will require action plans to phase out Cr (VI) in the future. This has left the plating industry in a very delicate position with dark future prospects unless new solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly are discovered. Superchrome Physical Vapor Deposition coating ahead of looming industry regulatory actions that will drive towards the removal of hazardous hexavalent chromium compounds. These new sputtered chromium coatings do not require a protective paint top coat to pass exterior automotive trim specifications. Visually the chromium coatings match those of electroplated decorative chromium in color and appearance.