ASDWire distribution date: Mon, 12 May 2008 18:05:00 GMT +0100

Integran Technologies Inc. Awarded Contract by US DoD's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program

Toronto, Canada – May 12, 2008 --[ASDWire]-- Integran Technologies Inc., a leading company in the area of metallurgical nano-technologies, has announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) to evaluate the use of nanocrystalline zinc-based coatings as an environmentally benign replacement for cadmium coatings on high strength steel fasteners. Cadmium coatings are widely applied to fasteners for sacrificial corrosion protection, good lubricity, consistent torque tension, and uniform thickness. However, cadmium is a highly toxic metal, the use of which presents environmental and workplace health and safety concerns over the full life-cycle of the fasteners, from initial application, through use, to final disposal.

The objective of this project is to develop and optimize an advanced nanoscale zinc-based coating technology to yield a coating that meets or exceeds the overall performance of cadmium coatings at a life-cycle process cost equal to or less than that of existing cadmium electroplating operations. Particular emphasis will be placed upon developing a process that is compatible with high strength steel fasteners prone to hydrogen embrittlement. This approach will allow existing DoD cadmium plating infrastructure to be used and reduce or eliminate cadmium use in rework, maintenance, and manufacturing facilities.

About SERDP
The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) is the Department of Defense's (DoD) environmental science and technology program, planned and executed in full partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, with participation by numerous other federal and non-federal organizations. SERDP focuses on cross-service requirements and pursues high-risk/high-payoff solutions to the Department’s most intractable environmental problems. The development and application of innovative environmental technologies support the long-term sustainability of DoD’s training and testing ranges as well as significantly reduce current and future environmental liabilities.

About Integran
Integran Technologies Inc. is a world leader in advanced metallurgical nano-technologies, providing a broad international base of customers with advanced process and product design solutions through R&D, material sales, contract manufacturing and technology licensing.

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