• Advanced Surface Engineering Technologies for a Sustainable Defense – ASETSDefense - is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative sponsored by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Its objective is to facilitate the implementation of new, environmentally friendly technologies for surface engineering (coatings and surface treatments) by providing ready access to background information and technical data from research, development, test, and evaluation efforts as well as the status of approvals and implementations. ASETSDefense provides users with information and assistance to improve weapons system performance and life-cycle cost while reducing or eliminating environmental safety and occupational health (ESOH) impacts from coatings and treatment processes that utilize hexavalent chromium (hex chrome, Cr6+, Cr(VI), chromate, chromic acid); coatings that contain cadmium; and coatings that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC).

• Surface Engineering Database - Together with SERDP and ESTCP, ASETSDefense has developed a relational database designed with a search capability to provide access to the available information needed to make informed decisions on the use of alternatives to materials and technologies for surface engineering that pose environmental or health hazards. This information includes detailed engineering data, background documents, and information on processes and products that have been validated, authorized, or implemented. For more information and to access the database, click here.

• C-HCAT – Rowan is the data manager and coordinator for the Canadian HCAT, maintaining coordination between the US and Canadian teams and integrating the Canadian data on chrome replacement.
  
  

• SERDP ID Plasma Spray Program – Rowan is the technical lead for the HCAT effort, funded by SERDP, to develop plasma spray alternatives for replacing chrome plating on internal diameters of landing gear, hydraulic actuators, etc.  We also maintain collaboration with teams developing other alternatives.
  
  
• Chrome and Cadmium Avoidance on the Joint Strike Fighter – The JSF IPT is concerned to avoid the use of Cr and Cd on the aircraft, since its use will lock DoD into the technology for decades.   Rowan has carried out several technology analyses of alternatives for outer and inner diameters, and produced an extensive data compilation to assist engineers in adapting alternatives.
  
  
• Use of Thermal Spray as an Aerospace Chrome Alternative – This is a JSF-funded compilation of data on the HVOF process for aerospace use – its properties, performance, specifications, and applications.   It is a living document on CD-ROM that incorporates referenced documents and web sites at the click of a mouse.
  
  
• Canadian Markets for HVOF as a Chrome Replacement – This report for Industry Canada assessed the potential market sizes and characteristics for chrome replacement in the Canadian transportation, oil and gas, forestry, and machinery sectors.       
  
  
• Assistance to NRC in establishing coating initiatives – The National Research Council of Canada has contracted with Rowan to assist in developing market strategies, collaboration, and teaming with Canadian and US partners in various coating programs.   This assistance includes work with the Canadian Cadmium Replacement Program.
  

Rowan Home