Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

The objective of this work is the development of advanced black chromium coatings by electroplating fromx000D
trivalent chromium solutions. This project will be focused on active collaboration of Kuntz Electroplating Inc.x000D
(KEI) and McMaster University. KEI is working on the development of new technology for electroplating ofx000D
black Cr protective coatings for applications in automotive industry. KEI is interested in the solving of ax000D
problem of replacement of a Cr plating process from the hexavalent Cr solutions for a new plating processx000D
from the trivalent Cr solutions. The company has a problem of low electrodeposition yield of Cr coatings fromx000D
Cr3+ solutions and significant cathodic gas evolution, which result in low adhesion, poor mechanicalx000D
properties, low thermal shock resistance and poor corrosion resistance. KEI was not able to achieve black colorx000D
of the coatings, which varied from gray to brown. The use of efficient complexing agents is of criticalx000D
importance for electroplating from Cr3+ solutions. KEI is interested in new complexing agents and surfacex000D
modification techniques, which are currently under development in the electrochemical laboratory of McMasterx000D
University. The unique features of new complexing agents are: good chelation of Cr3+ and other metal ions,x000D
which are used as plating additives, strong adsorption on Cr and Cr oxide additives, ability to facilitate ionx000D
reduction in solutions and improve charge transfer. Moreover, new chelating agents can impart black color tox000D
the coatings and hydrophobic properties. It is expected that the application of new chelating agents will resultx000D
in the development of black Cr coatings with enhanced corrosion protection and mechanical properties,x000D
improved adhesion and thermal shock resistance. The development of black Cr coatings from Cr3+ solutionsx000D
meets interests of Canadian automotive industry and offers many environmental benefits. The benefits of thisx000D
project will include the generation of new technological solutions, technology transfer to KEI and HQPx000D
training. The resolution of the problem will result in job growth at KEI and increased revenue.