Chrome plating has been the chief coating process for reducing wear and corrosion of surfaces However, hexavalent chrome has been highly regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is listed as a hazardous air pollutant and a carcinogenic agent. In this regard, an initiative called Hard Chrome Alternative Technologies (HCAT) was started to develop chrome replacement coatings. Over the years, various research groups have come up with new materials and coating technologies to replace chrome plating.
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