ZINC-NICKEL PLATING
|
|
||||||||||||
| Overview: | The reflectalloy alkaline
zinc-nickel plating process is a direct replacement of the cadmium process used on fasteners
and steel components to provide protection against corrosion.
Cadmium plating is called out in various places in the 2J-T56-53 depot maintenance technical order. Most cadmium coatings are applied by electrodeposition, typically from a cyanide-based plating bath. Testing was performed to compare the performance of the reflectalloy alkaline zinc-nickel process and cadmium plating process on T56 engine components. Selected T56 engine parts were obtained from San Antonio Air Logistics Center, Texas. Approximately half of the parts were used to provide baseline performance data for electroplated cadmium. The remaining parts were stripped and re-plated with zinc-nickel using the alkaline reflectalloy electroplating process. Applied coatings were tested and evaluated based on specified corrosion and lubricity (torque-tension) methods and criteria specified in the test and evaluation plan. Test results indicated that zinc-nickel provides equal or better corrosion resistance, adhesion, and torque-tension properties to cadmium. Test results also indicated that the zinc-nickel plating was improved with Surrender Anti-Seize rather than engine oil or other lubricants. Technical orders are being revised to include zinc-nickel plating as an alternative to cadmium plating.
|
| Compliance Benefit: |
Chemicals used in cadmium and cyanide
processes are toxic to humans and are strictly regulated by local, state, and federal agencies.
Replacing those processes with a non-cadmium/cyanide process reduces the volume of hazardous waste,
and decreases the amount of cadmium and cyanide at the facility. The reduction of hazardous waste
helps facilities meet the requirements of waste reduction under RCRA, 40 CFR 262, Appendix.
It may also help facilities reduce their generator status and lessen the amount of regulations
(i.e., recordkeeping, reporting, inspections, transportation, accumulation time, emergency prevention
and preparedness, and emergency response) they are required to comply with under RCRA, 40 CFR 262.
In addition, this technology allows facilities to eliminate cadmium and cyanide bath solutions,
so there is less chance that the facility would exceed reporting thresholds for cadmium and
cyanide under SARA Title III (40 CFR 300, 355, 370, and 372; and EO 12856). Both process types may
require an industrial wastewater discharge permit (local issue).
The compliance benefits listed here should be used as a general guideline and should not be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved.
|
| Materials Compatibility: |
The plating process can only be applied to
metallic substrates.
|
| Safety and Health: |
Caution must be exercised with the equipment.
Proper personal protective equipment must be worn and other safety practices must be employed.
Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.
|
| Benefits: |
|
| Disadvantages: |
|
| Economic Analysis: | The National Defense Center
for Environmental Excellence (NDCEE), operated by Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC),
was tasked by the Department of Defense to investigate the technical viability of the
reflectalloy alkaline zinc-nickel plating process. No detailed economic analysis has been performed; however, the plating process can be implemented using existing tanks, heaters, and ventilation systems. The only cost variable will be for the initial make up for the process bath.
|
| NSN/MSDS: | None Identified.
|
| Approving Authority: | Appropriate authority for making process
changes should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the
technologies identified herein.
|
| Points of Contact: | For more information
| Vendors: |
This is not meant to be a complete list, as there may be other suppliers of this type of equipment.
McGean-Rohco, Inc |
| Sources: |
Concurrent Technologies Corporation. Hazardous Material Alternatives for the T56 Engine: Scientific and Technical Report. May 31, 2000.
|