Cr Free Real

Objectives

The general objective of the Cr Free REAL project is to develop and test a suitable REACH compliant Cr(VI)-free process for removal of anodic layers. The oxide layers to be removed are deposited either by new Cr(VI)-free alternative processes (SAA, Cr(III) chemical conversion) or by current Cr(VI) containing processes (CAA and Alodine). The oxide stripping process to be developed shall be able to completely and uniformly remove the oxide layers, without deteriorating the aluminium alloy substrate and its properties.

Figure 1: General experimental sequence to be followed within the project.
Figure 1: General experimental sequence to be followed within the project.
Figure 2: Summary of the overall approach for investigating the performance of the selected (commercially and literature) and developed processes for removal of the anodic layers. The best performing stripping process for oxide layers removal will be established.
Figure 2: Summary of the overall approach for investigating the performance of the selected (commercially and literature) and developed processes for removal of the anodic layers. The best performing stripping process for oxide layers removal will be established.
Figure 3: Activities performed by Cr Free REAL project and further steps required to bring a product on the market.
Figure 3: Activities performed by Cr Free REAL project and further steps required to bring a product on the market.
Figure 3: Activities performed by Cr Free REAL project and further steps required to bring a product on the market.
Figure 4: Work plan flow chart and interrelationship diagram.

Work packages:

WP1: Project management

WP2: Definition of the requirements, screening and evaluation of existing treatments with / without Cr

WP3: Development and evaluation of an innovative Cr free method on reference alloys

WP4: Identification of the best Cr free solution & implementation on other aluminium alloys & complex parts

WP5: Dissemination, exploitation and communications activities

Info

Kick-off meeting at Liebherr Toulouse France - April 2019

Progress meeting at CEST – October 2019

Progress meeting – on line – due to COVID-19

Milestones

Milestone 1

Milestone number: M1.1

Milestone name: Project Start

Related Work package(s): WP1

Due date (in month): M1

Means of verification: D1.1 Kick-off meeting report

Milestone 2

Milestone number: M2.1

Milestone name: Selection of commercially available and literature stripping agents

Work package(s): WP2

Due date (in month): M7

Means of verification: D2.2 approved and submitted

Milestone number: M2.2

Milestone name: Characterisation of the samples after stripping with the selected stripping agents and re-treatment

Work package(s): WP2

Due date (in month): M12

Means of verification: D2.3 approved and submitted