Chrome plating with trivalent chromium. Conventional chrome plating uses hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium is the most toxic form of chromium due to its carcinogenic properties. This technology uses trivalent chromium, which is much less toxic and non-carcinogenic. This company uses a new electrodeposition process alternating between a cathodic pulse followed by an anodic pulse and a relaxation period. This process allows for thicker coatings of trivalent chromium and allows the structure and properties of the coating to be adjusted. This coating is equivalent to or better than traditional coating and does not produce any hexavalent chromium as a byproduct. The process is also scalable, only requiring new plating bath electrodes. Unlike previous technologies, the coating can also be applied to interior and exterior surfaces. This process can reduce hexavalent chromium waste by 13 million pounds annually in the United States.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2013 Small Business Award
