Cadmium
Replacements for
Department of Defense (DoD) and
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Applications
Project Number: J-00-MF-024
JG-PP
partnered with the ESTCP
to demonstrate/validate this project. The goal of ESTCP
is to demonstrate and validate promising, innovative technologies/processes/materials
that target the DoD
's most urgent environmental needs. By use of a coordinated effort,
ESTCP
advances can lead to successful JG-PP technology transitions that will
provide cost effective, environmental technology solutions for both the
DoD
and the U.S. industrial base. Visit the ESTCP
website for additional information on the project's purpose, description,
and benefits.
The purpose of the JG-PP/ESTCP/Joint Cadmium Alternatives Team (JCAT) Cadmium Replacements project is to identify and validate alternatives to cadmium for DoD weapon systems and NASA applications. This project will integrate and take full advantage of other cadmium replacement efforts. These efforts include a completed ESTCP/NAVAIR funded project investigating aluminum-manganese coatings, a completed JG-PP project (Alternatives to Electrodeposited Cadmium) targeted at low-strength steel and non-ferrous applications, and a cadmium replacement decision tool "Alternative Materials Selection System for Cadmium" developed by TACOM. Information developed from these projects and others like them will be used in this effort.
The JCAT includes technical representatives from a variety of DoD organizations and from OEMs responsible for manufacturing DoD weapon systems who share their expertise about electroplated cadmium. They will define the functional properties of electroplated cadmium, the substrates and components to which it is currently applied, and the properties of candidate alternative coating systems. Cadmium has been applied to numerous components of DoD land, sea and air weapon systems and NASA systems for many years, due to its desirable functional qualities. Cadmium provides sacrificial corrosion protection for steels and excellent lubricity for threaded applications. In addition, cadmium is easily electroplated onto a number of different metallic substrates and various geometries including internal diameters, threads, and more complex components. However, cadmium is a toxic metal and a known carcinogen. In addition, cadmium is plated from an aqueous bath containing cyanide salts. For these reasons the use of cadmium is regulated by stringent worker exposure limitations promulgated by the OSHA. Wastewater discharges from cadmium electroplating baths must meet effluent limitations dictated by regulations under the CWA. Sludge from wastewater treatment must be managed as hazardous waste under the RCRA. Cadmium has been detected in the rinse waters of aircraft engine and other weapon systems wash-downs, creating the potential for violations of environmental regulations and associated fines. Airborne cadmium dust threatens the health of workers in and around cadmium removal operations. Compliance with current environmental, safety, and health regulations relating to cadmium use is expensive and cadmium use puts DoD Industrial Commands at a high risk of legal liability. Executive Order 12856 and the DoD Environmental Quality Research and Development Requirements 3.I.2.a and 3.I.3.b motivate DoD facilities to implement alternatives to cadmium electroplating. As current trends to increase the stringency of occupational health and environmental regulations continue, the use of cadmium becomes less feasible. Technically and financially acceptable alternatives for cadmium must be identified, evaluated, and implemented. The reduction and eventual elimination of cadmium from military systems would greatly reduce the environmental, safety, and health risks associated with electroplated cadmium and reduce the legal liability of DoD Industrial Commands. Some cost avoidance would be realized immediately as a result of decreased monitoring, PPE, and other cadmium-related requirements in the electroplating area. Additional cost avoidance would be realized approximately ten years after implementation of the cadmium alternatives at OEM facilities and sustainment facilities, as cadmium is gradually eliminated from fielded systems during maintenance processes.
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This site last updated February 28, 2008.
Send all questions and comments to jgpp@ctc.com