New technique of corrosion-resistant nickel alloy coatings can replace toxic chrome plating

Source: The post is based on the article “New technique of corrosion-resistant nickel alloy coatings can replace toxic chrome plating” published in PIB on 10th January 2023

What is the News?

A team of Indian scientists have developed a new method of depositing nickel alloy coatings on high-performance materials in engineering applications. This method can replace the use of environmentally toxic chrome coatings.

What is Chrome plating?

Chrome plating or coating is a finishing process that involves the application of chromium onto the surface of a metal workpiece or object.

The newly formed chrome layer works to protect the underlying workpiece or object from corrosion while improving its aesthetics in the process.

Chrome coatings have been used in the plastic bottling industry to improve the service life of die-casting components.

But the process of chrome plating is toxic and must comply with stringent standards for permissible exposure limits for hexavalent chromium. Finding a procedure for adhering to this limit is a challenge for scientists.

What have the Indian Scientists developed?

A team of Indian scientists have developed a new method of depositing nickel alloy coatings on high-performance materials in engineering applications.

This method was developed using a lab-scale process that employs pulsed current electroplating, which is environmentally friendly and has a high production capacity. Hence, it can replace the use of environmentally toxic chrome coatings.