🔬 APOLLO Project: Towards a new generation of sustainable, high-performance industrial surface treatments
Electropoli is honored to be taking part in the APOLLO (Aluminum Protection through cOnversion without harmfuL hexavaLent chrOmium) project, a strategic initiative led by IRT M2P in collaboration with industrial partners and academics. Launched in June 2024, this project is part of a strict regulatory framework, imposed by the European REACH regulation, and aims to transform surface treatment methods for aluminum alloys in order to meet today's environmental and industrial challenges.
🎯 Objectives of the APOLLO project
The APOLLO project has two main aims:
1️⃣ Enhancing the robustness of TCP (Trivalent Chromium Process) treatments:
Improving corrosion protection performance, particularly in demanding environments such as aerospace and defense. Optimization of surface preparation steps to ensure uniform and reproducible application of conversion layers.
2️⃣ Developing a chromium-free alternative:
Based on promising formulations, such as those based on potassium permanganate, which offer comparable performance to current CrIII- or CrVI-based treatments.
🌍 Industrial and environmental challenges
The APOLLO project is not limited to a simple technological improvement. It also aims to:
Guarantee compliance with European standards while preserving the competitiveness of manufacturers. Protect workers' health by eliminating hazardous substances. Reduce the overall environmental impact of surface treatment processes.
📈 Prospects and benefits
APOLLO marks a crucial step in the transition to sustainable processes. The expected results include:
Robust industrial qualification of TCP solutions. Wider adoption of chromium-free alternatives. Better control of processes within the supply chain.
Together, we are moving towards an industry that is more respectful of the environment and better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
The future of surface treatment is being built today with ELECTROPOLI and APOLLO.
