Fasteners are essential components in industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace, where reliability and durability are critical. As the demand for high-performance fasteners increases, driven by trends like electrification and weight reduction, the industry is focusing on improving corrosion resistance while ensuring environmental safety.
With the average passenger vehicle using around 2,000 fasteners, the fastener market is experiencing significant growth. As of the end of 2024, the global industrial fasteners market is valued at approximately $104.0 billion and is projected to continue expanding, reaching around $130.55 billion by 2030 (source). This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for resilient and sustainable solutions, particularly in the context of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), stringent CO2 emission targets, and the adoption of lighter materials such as aluminum and high-strength steel.
The Importance and Enhancement of Chromium III Passivation
Historically, hexavalent chromium - Cr(VI) - coatings were preferred for their excellent corrosion resistance. However, due to health and environmental concerns, industries are now transitioning to safer alternatives, and trivalent chromium - Cr(III) - passivation has emerged as a more sustainable alternative to traditional Chromium VI.
One of the primary challenges with Cr(III) passivated coatings is achieving performance levels comparable to Cr(VI). The use of passivation boosters like Addibond™ technology, can significantly increase corrosion resistance. Electrochemical studies have shown that Addibond™ increases protection, as demonstrated by prolonged exposure to neutral salt spray tests, with reduced white and red rust formation.
Addibond™ technology enhances various types of Cr(III) passivation and provides synergy with organic sealings/topcoats, this versatility enables passivation formulators to offer tailored solutions for different applications, including manufacturing using a rack process:
- Blue Passivation: When combined with Addibond™, blue passivation shows improved corrosion resistance, making it ideal for decorative applications where both aesthetic and protective qualities are important.
- Iridescent Passivation: Known for its thick film properties, iridescent passivation benefits from Addibond™ by reducing rust formation, thus extending the fastener's lifecycle under harsh conditions.
Black Passivation: Chosen for its aesthetic properties and corrosion protection, black passivation can leverage Addibond™ to significantly reduce corrosion rates, although it typically requires higher polymer concentrations for maximum effectiveness.
Strategic Applications and Industrial Implications
The use of Addibond™ as an additive in the Cr(III) passivation process represents a strategic innovation for industries reliant on fastener integrity. With its non-toxic profile, supports the trend towards reducing environmental impact, addressing sustainability goals while maintaining performance. This aligns with the industrial push towards more sustainable and highly efficient products.
As industries progress, the materials and technologies used in fastener production are undergoing a significant transformation. Enhancements such as Addibond™ in Cr(III) passivated coatings enable formulators and manufacturers to achieve environmental compliance and superior product longevity, paving the way for robust and more sustainable manufacturing practices.