Advances in Replacements for Cadmium Plating in Aerospace Applications

SUMMARY

This paper examines some of the problems associated with the replacement of cadmium plating for the protection of aircraft components and fasteners manufactured from steel. It reviews the range of coatings which are available commercially and are currently being considered as alternatives to cadmium plating. Results of research being undertaken into the corrosion behaviour and galvanic compatibility of electrodeposited zinc alloy coatings and aluminium-magnesium alloy coatings are presented. Other aspects of coating performance are also considered including frictional properties, effects of coatings on fatigue strength, hydrogen embrittlement of steels and the repair of damaged coatings. It is concluded that although the corrosion performance of cadmium plating may be achieved with several coating systems, no one coating is likely to be acceptable as a replacement for cadmium for all aerospace applications.