Maintenance Center Albany Puts the Hex on Hexavalent Chromium: Safer Substitute Found for Anodizing Aluminum Parts.

摘要

The Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) Maintenance Center Albany (MCA) recently replaced a hexavalent chromium (Cr(IV)) anodizing process for aluminum parts with a more benign trivalent chromium process. An important part of LOGCOM's work revolves around the anodization of aluminum parts. The anodizing process oxidizes and creates a protective coating on the metal, also known as a conversion coating. Traditionally hexavalent chromium has been a key ingredient in the process, but hexavalent chromium is also a well-known toxin. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated that hexavalent chromium may cause cancer in workers who breathe airborne emissions.