Those of us that practice environmental and toxic tort law have all had multiple experiences in being involved with sites replete with heavy metals (and the solvents that frequently are used in such operations).  Plating operations are, unfortunately, notorious for their contamination; this is not inherent in the technology, but very often the result of sloppy management and industrial technique.  Such practices, unfortunately, also expose workers and the surrounding community to adverse impacts, and frequently impact groundwater and surface water resources.

Why do we chrome plate materials?  Is it just for the shine?  Not at all.  If done properly, chrome plating can be harder than steel and very resistant to corrosion.  Now, a safer alternative may be at hand.

Researchers at MIT first set out to ascertain what makes chrome so strong.  The answer?  Unlike most metal crystals, the crystalline structure of chrome is exceptionally small, which prevents its atomic rows from slipping by one another (thus increasing strength).  They then decided to experiment with nanocrystalline nickel, which also has minute atomic rows.  To improve its properties and prevent its degradation over time, even at room temperature, they experimented with various additives in the form of other metals.  Ultimately, through computer modeling, tungsten was identified as producing a stable mixture.

Using a modified electroplating technique that kept the crystals very small, the result was a material that stable indefinitely at room temperature.  It also did not degrade easily when exposed to high temperatures, was bright and shiny, and harder than chrome.  The environmental impacts of the process were also more benign than those of chrome plating.

Tests are now being performed on a fleet of truck bumpers.

Information on the new material and technique can be found at http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/metal-0519.html and http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/chromium-0215.html.