ZINC-NICKEL ELECTROPLATE AS A REPLACEMENT FOR CADMIUM ON HIGH-STRENGTH STEELS

A need to find a suitable replacement for cadmium electroplated coatings on medium- to high-strength steels has accelerated the development of economically viable alternatives. This edited version of a presentation at the 30th annual Aerospace/Airline Plating & Metal Finishing Forum examines the development of Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation's (DSTO) zinc-nickel electroplate, for rack plating on mild steel (a typical stressed and microcracked alloy electroplate), as a replacement for cadmium electroplate on high-strength steel. The presentation won the Robert C. Garland Award, named for a long-time supporter of AESF who helped to create and organize the first Forum in 1963. As the Garland Award winner, the authors of the presentation receive a certificate and an honorarium.