Increasing Corrosion Resistance with Nickel-Chromium Coatings
Nickel-chromium coatings are corrosion resistant coatings. These types of coatings were engineered for several purposes. The purpose is to protect metal components from the following:
- High-stress related strain
- Harsh environmental factors
- Degradation
Due to the vast types of corrosion, coatings such as this must be manufactured specially. They must discourage chemical reactions between salt, air, water, and different metals. Failure of these coatings can be a result of a metal alloy’s impurity. In order to neutralize the unbalanced composition of metals, corrosion resistant coatings must work with them in a compatible manner.
Corrosion Resistant Coatings
As just mentioned, there are any number of coatings that are classified as corrosion resistant. Alloys of nickel-chromium coatings make up one such corrosion resistant coating. These coatings work well with the following:
- Zinc substrates
- Brass substrates
- Copper substrates
- Steel substrates
Using electroplating, a thin layer is applied which can increase a part’s lifespan and change its aesthetic appearance. Protection is provided by countering the damaging results of corrosive agents.
Creating Nickel-Chromium Coatings
Not surprisingly, nickel is a primary element in nickel-chromium coatings. The coating’s thickness is supplied by this component. On the other hand, chromium accounts for merely 2% of the composition of these coatings. Numerous properties associated with this coating are provided by nickel including the following:
- Resistance to corrosion
- Hardness
Though a coating’s overall corrosion resistance is increased by chromium, it was originally used to coat and protect nickel. The corrosion resistance serves to better protect a substrate. Even though there are several kinds, not all chromium is suitable for coatings classified as nickel-chromium. The three types of chromium include the following:
- Hexavalent – contains carcinogens and is considered toxic. Primarily used in industrial applications when converted to metal chromium or trivalent chromium.
- Trivalent – unrelated to plating or nickel-chromium coatings, it is used for tanning leather.
- Metal – a component in chromium-plated articles and in stainless steel.
Corrosion Resistant Nickel-Chromium Coatings
The corrosion-resistant coating made from nickel-chromium is nothing new. For its hardness and strength, it has been relied upon since chromium plating began in 1926. A substrate coated with nickel-chromium can stand up to environments that would ordinarily not be tolerated. Some of these environments can include exposure to the following:
- Snow
- Saltwater
- Rain
As an example, when coated with nickel-chromium, steel can maintain its finish and strength when (if not coated) it would usually be subject to rust. Making it perfect for the automotive industry, extraordinary abrasion resistance is also offered by nickel-chromium. The effects of snow, ice, sand, and other road debris are discouraged by nickel-chromium coatings. Automotive parts that are often coated for protection against constant contact include the following:
- Door handles
- Faucet tap handles
- Railings
In addition to allowing these parts to maintain their polished finish and withstand abrasion, nickel-chromium also offers protection against aggressive cleaning. Because of this, household kitchenware and medical instruments also receive this type of coating on a regular basis. Medical instruments can be sterilized by methods that are heat-related and still resist damage because of nickel-chromium coatings.
Various finishing styles are possible while still maintaining different levels of corrosion resistance with this coating. Precise balances of nickel-to-chromium can be tailored to specifications where minimal corrosion resistance is required – as in simpler applications.
Can Your Industry Benefit from Nickel-Chromium?
Chances are, the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!” At A&A Coatings, we are experts in not only nickel-chromium coatings, but in any and all other coatings used in today’s industries. Depending on the thermal spray coating you use, maintenance costs can be lessened, downtimes decreased, and your company’s bottom line improved. Contact one of our representatives today to find out more.
