Coating Characterization of Tartaric Sulfuric Acid Anodizing Compared with Chromic Acid Anodizing

Author(s):

Lindsey Blohm, Scott Grendahl, Scott Howison, and Jack Kelley

Abstract:

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is a confirmed human carcinogen that is increasingly regulated; therefore, an urgency to find performance-meeting alternatives has emerged. A program between the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory and the US Army Missile and Aviation Command Logistics Directorate (G-4) aims to optimize, qualify, and demonstrate Sikorsky’s Tartaric Sulfuric Acid Anodizing (TSAA) as an alternative to Chromic Acid Anodizing (CAA). Thus far, a majority of laboratory testing is complete and reported in this interim report. The majority of the data shows promising results. However, bendability results as well as axial fatigue show that TSAA is not meeting the standard of CAA. Additional results will be forthcoming in a future report; this report provides results and gathers guidance.