Environmental sustainable nano-based surface treatment of aluminum through use of the nFOG technique

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project was to investigate and develop a sustainable sealing method which could reduce the need of hazardous chemicals and drastically reduce the volume of chemicals used. Herein, we have explored the potential with nFOG as a method to perform surface treatment of aluminum. When optimized, the nFOG method gives equivalent results as the same process performed through immersion. The same accounts also for a conventional sealing method where nFOG and immersion give similar results.

Expected results and effects

The project has resulted in promising results shared through one manuscript submitted to Journal of Surface and Coatings Technology (Under revision) and one conference contribution (Aerospace Congress 2019). One manuscript is planned to be finalized in Spring 2021. Implementation of nFOG in surface treatment facilities would reduce chemical use, waste and energy consumption. This project has shown promising results on low TRL. Further studies, scale-up and demonstrations are required before implementation.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was a collaboration between Saab, LiU and RISE. The work has been done by Master thesis students and by two PhD students (1 academic, and 1 industrial). Saab has acted as project leader, provided materials and supervised the students. LiU has hosted and supervised the students and performed anodization, immersion sealing and characterization. RISE has developed and updated the nFOG method and performed all nFOG trials. The partners are now looking into new joint projects.