Alternatives to Hexavalent Chromium to comply with European Union's Directives (ELV, RoHS WEEE)

摘要

The deadline for European Union's Directives is approaching. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) is effective July 1, 2006, WEEE (Waste of Electric and Electronic Equipment) is effective December 31, 2006 and ELV (End of Life Vehicle) directive is effective July 1, 2007 for hexavalent chromium. Industry is working hard to find a suitable alternative for compliance. Ideally a drop-in replacement, at a reasonable cost that meets engineering specification would be preferred. This paper describes various options that are commercially available to comply with these directives.