About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T26: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Coatings for Wear and Corrosion Protection
|
| Presentation Title |
Microstructural Evolution in a New Inorganic Trivalent Chromium Electrodeposition Solution |
| Author(s) |
Romain Le Barbenchon, Lucas Baissac, Benjamin Legrand, Walid Bedjou, Joffrey Tardelli, Catherine Savall, Juan Creus |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Romain Le Barbenchon |
| Abstract Scope |
Since 2017, hexavalent chromium (CrVI) coatings have been severely restricted under European REACH regulations, driving the search for alternative solutions. Trivalent chromium (CrIII) processes represent one of the most promising substitutes, with ongoing research within IRT-M2P projects exploring both organic and inorganic electrolytes. A carbon-free inorganic bath has been developed and patented, enabling the formation of coatings with three distinct microstructures depending on deposition temperature: brittle/dendritic (high hardness >900 HV), compact (low hardness <600 HV), and dual-phase (700–900 HV). This work establishes correlations between deposition parameters and coating properties. In particular, a metastable chromium phase—previously unreported in aqueous electrodeposition—is identified. This phase plays a key role in determining hardness and appears strongly influenced by bath chemistry. |