Chrome-6 is still the best protector against rust

Chromium-6 is praised in aviation because it protects aircraft against corrosion. The rusting and mold formation can have devastating consequences. Yet there is a downside to the chrome-6 medal, because this form of chromium is polluting and carcinogenic. Herman Terryn, professor of corrosion technology at the VUB and TU Delft, sees promising alternatives such as chromium-free and corrosion-resistant paints. However, these do not equal chrome-6 in all respects. "Scientists can not yet say with certainty that these paints always do what they have to do - even after many years, in all places on the aircraft under all circumstances."

Herman Terryn works together with aircraft manufacturers Fokker and Airbus. "Manufacturers certainly have very good chromium-free and anti-corrosion paints. But scientists can not yet say with certainty that these paints always do, under all circumstances, at all places in the aircraft what they have to do - even after many years. Read more.