4. Future developments under REACH

Certain thin-film deposition techniques, certain substances used for surface treatments or certain substrate compounds will eventually have to be modified in line with specific recommendations for the health of individuals or the conservation of the environment. For example, in the article we presented coatings containing chromium.

It should be noted that only chromium trioxide (chromic anhydride or chromic acid) based on hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) is recognized as a carcinogen. However, hard chromium electroplating, the most widely used process for many applications, involves such a product. The inclusion of chromium VI in Annex XIV of the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) could be effective by March 2012. If all goes according to plan, the application for authorization should be submitted in September...