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A visual solution for reliable anti-corrosion treatments in the aerospace industry

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has awarded €167,700 in funding to Société d’électrolyse du Centre Ouest (SECO) as part of an innovative collaborative project with Olikrom and Thalès DMS. Objective: to develop a colored additive called SmartKrom to improve visual traceability of surface treatments on aluminum parts. These treatments, essential for protecting against corrosion and guaranteeing electrical continuity, have become more complex since the gradual elimination of hexavalent chromium, a substance classified as carcinogenic. The new solution is designed to compensate for the poor visibility of the current SurTec 650 treatment, while maintaining its technical performance.

 

Olikrom at the heart of the formulation of an intelligent, eco-friendly additive

A key player in this project, Olikrom designs, formulates and produces SmartKrom, an intelligent pigment that makes the treatment detectable to the naked eye. Already validated in proof-of-concept with Thalès, the technology is now entering the finalization and industrialization phase as part of the Danco collaborative project. The challenge is twofold: to offer an adjuvant that can be used in an immersion bath for standard treatment of parts, but also in pen format for local touch-ups and repairs. This development is in line with Olikrom’s strategy of providing high value-added technical solutions for industries sensitive to quality, safety and environmental regulations.

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