Representing interests of National Association Surface Finishers members, the NASF successfully lobbied the US-EPA in 2012 to ban the use of Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) compounds successfully utilized for decades to meet Cr(VI) air emissions. Their uses included plating of decorative and hard chromium deposits and etching for plating on plastics all using hexavalent chromium. Despite representing a small fraction of all commercial applications use of PFOS, our industry adapted the use of shorter chain carbon-fluorine compounds. Today, known as PFAS (Per- Polyfluoroalkyl substances), these are being targeted for elimination. What options exist today for alternative coating technologies not requiring their use?
Primary Topics:
- What is PFOS and its relevance to PFAS today?
- PFAS chemistry, nomenclature, properties, and concerns
- Fluorinated compounds' relevance to electroplating - past and present
- Discussion of alternative technologies
Presenter:
Brad Durkin
Director of International Product Management, COVENTYA
Brad holds a Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, with 36 years of Industry experience including technical, marketing, research, and executive management. He is involved in ASTM committees B08, F07 & G01, NACE, SAE, and member NASF Technology Advisory Committee and is currently Chairman.
Today, Brad has responsibility for the global management of all COVENTYA product and technology platforms. In this role, he is a member of the strategic and tactical Research and Development management teams. Brad supports all International Product Group managers for defining R&D projects, monitoring milestones, and supporting the implementation training for new technology platforms/developments to all COVENTYA Group companies.
