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SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Anodized Coating for Magnesium Automotive Components

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 0638113
Agency Tracking Number: 0638113
Amount: $99,508.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: MI
Solicitation Number: NSF 06-553
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
4957 10th Avenue South SUITE 6D
Grand Forks, ND 58201
United States
DUNS: 602517625
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 William Gorman
 PhD
 (701) 746-1818
 bgorman@tagnite.com
Business Contact
 William Gorman
Title: PhD
Phone: (701) 746-1818
Email: bgorman@tagnite.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a low cost, high volume anodization process for magnesium alloys used in the automotive industry. The project aims to reduce the time and cost to anodize magnesium using a unique electro-cleaning method that reduces the number of pretreatment steps prior to application of the coating, and using ""green chemistry"" to reduce environmental impact of the process. Magnesium alloys are used extensively in automotive applications because they are one-third lighter than aluminum alloys, but magnesium suffers from a high rate of corrosion when exposed to an aggressive environment and when coupled with dissimilar metals. Anodization offers the best protection; however, due to cost considerations the auto industry currently depends on chemical conversion coatings to protect magnesium which are not as environmentally friendly, and not robust enough to protect magnesium in future automotive applications. It is estimated that the use of the technology developed in this program will lead to a 10 % reduction in a vehicle weight, and 7% reduction in fuel use. In addition, this technology could accelerate the utilization of magnesium in areas such as consumer electronics, power tools and medical devices.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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