Crosslink™, a developer of electrochemistry- and polymer science-based technologies, announced a joint venture (JV) with Wayne Pigment Corp. to commercialize hexavalent chromium-free (non-chromate) corrosion inhibitor pigments for military and industrial applications.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Crosslink™, a developer of electrochemistry- and polymer science-based technologies, announced a joint venture (JV) with Wayne Pigment Corp. to commercialize hexavalent chromium-free (non-chromate) corrosion inhibitor pigments for military and industrial applications.

The JV, CW Technologies, was formed in late May of this year, following Crosslink’s procurement of a patent on May 3 for its non-chromate corrosion inhibitor technology. Over the past decade, Wayne Pigment Corp. has obtained several patents for the development of hybrid inhibitor pigment technologies intended for the aerospace coatings industry.

“We are excited to collaborate with Wayne Pigment Corp. in this joint venture, and believe it will facilitate rapid acceptance and deployment of our reliable, high-performance corrosion inhibition pigment technology solutions,” said Gary Krall, CEO of Crosslink. “Together with Wayne Pigment, we are bringing to market truly innovative and ‘smart’ coating systems that not only effectively combat corrosion, but also eliminate concerns over the toxic properties of traditionally used corrosion inhibitor products.”

Despite known environmental effects, traditional chromate-based coatings have been previously unmatched in corrosion resistance performance. The need for reliable non-chromium corrosion resistance solutions has been recognized at the governmental level several times. The JV aims to address this issue via a commercialized coatings solution incorporating both companies’ non-chromate pigment technologies. This includes a promising technology developed by Crosslink that has been third-party tested by Boeing Research & Technology and Spirit AeroSystems as an alternative to traditional chromate-based pigments, based on a variety of industry-standard screening techniques and criteria. Additionally, The Battelle Institute has conducted third-party outdoor marine testing.

As part of the JV’s commercialization plan, the companies are also actively seeking partnerships from within the coatings industry to develop optimized conversion coat, primer and topcoat formulations. Initial qualified coatings applications will include those related to military, commercial and general aviation, while longer-range plans involve a broad spectrum of military and commercial aircraft and vehicles, and industrial and infrastructure applications.