More fastener suppliers serving the nuclear industry are switching from electroplating to zinc flake spray coatings as they seek more sustainable protection solutions, according to Anotec.
The company said customers are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer comparable performance with a lower environmental impact. While electroplating nuts and bolts provides strong corrosion resistance, zinc flake spray coatings can significantly reduce energy use and associated emissions.
The spray process also ensures a more even coating and eliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. During electroplating, hydrogen atoms can be introduced into the metal substrate, potentially causing the material to become brittle and vulnerable to sudden, catastrophic failure under stress.
By contrast, zinc flake coatings generate and absorb no hydrogen, improving the structural integrity of components and making them safer and more reliable.
“We have been involved in the nuclear industry for some time, primarily coating bolts used in concrete nuclear waste containers,” said Mark Smith, Assistant General Manager at Anotec. “We are now seeing more enquiries for fasteners across the nuclear sector and expect this trend to continue.”
Anotec added that zinc flake coatings, used either alone or combined with a range of topcoats, meet the most demanding cyclic corrosion test standards. They continue to protect components even after mechanical damage, such as stone chipping, due to their self-healing properties.
