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- Using Plants to Sustain Military Ranges
- Sonar Key to Detecting Underwater UXO
- Monitoring and Mapping Coral Reefs
- EPA-Approved Protocol for Range Characterization
- Robotic Laser Coating Removal System
- MetalMapper
- Understanding cis-DCE and VC Biodegradation
- Eliminating Cr from Medium Caliber Gun Barrels
- Predicting Responses to Landscape Changes
- Applying Statistics and Modeling to UXO Discrimination
- Composites with Low HAP Compounds
- Perchlorate-Free Flares Undergo Qualification Testing
- Recovering Energy from Landfill Gas
- Modeling Underwater UXO Mobility in Reef Environments
- Understanding the Behavioral Ecology of Cetaceans
- Forecasting the Effects of Stressors on At-Risk Species
- Advanced Signal Processing for UXO Discrimination
- Reducing Emissions for Jet Engines of the Future
- Assessing Vapor Intrusion at Chlorinated Solvent Sites
- Passive Sampling of Contaminated Sediments
- Leveraging Advanced Sensor Data to Clean Up UXO
- Source Zone Architecture Key to DNAPL Remediation
- Biopolymers Maintain Training Berms, Prevent Contamination
- Rare-Earth Corrosion Protection Mechanisms
- Cold Spray Technology for Aircraft Component Repair
- Ecological Research Supports Training at Camp Lejeune
- Loss of Permafrost – Impact on DoD Lands in Alaska
- Converting Solar Energy to Electricity and Heat
- ASETSDefense Workshop on Sustainable Surface Engineering
- Forward Operating Bases: Water and Waste Management
- Evaluating Matrix Diffusion Effects on Groundwater
- ES&T Features In Situ Sediment Remediation
- Erosion Resistant Coating Improves Engine Efficiency
- Optimizing Boiler Efficiency Through Combustion Control
- Climate Change Adaptation: Enhanced Decision Making
- Adapting Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
- Workshop on Sustainable Surface Engineering Advances
- Ecological Forestry & DoD’s Carbon Footprint
- Munitions Classification in the Hands of Production Firms
- Intelligent and Energy-Efficient LED Street Lighting
- ESTCP Partners with EPA on Watershed Management
- White House Energy Security Blueprint References ESTCP
- Success Classifying Munitions in Wooded Areas
- Evaluating Technology Performance at DNAPL Sites
- ‘Flyer’ Improves OB/OD Air Emissions Measurement
- Identifying Research Needs for Underwater Munitions
- Success Classifying Small Munitions at Camp Butner
- Managing Military Lands in the Southwest
- Partnering to Advance Munitions Classification
- ‘Flyer’ Improves OB/OD Air Emissions Measurement - Preview
- Sonar Identifies Underwater Munitions in Gulf Study
- Protective Coating Improves Jet Engine Fuel Efficiency
- Assessing Pacific Island Watershed Health
- New Insights Into Tracking Contaminants in Bedrock
- ClimaStat Technology Improves HVAC Efficiency
- Innovative Plating Process for Beryllium Alternatives
Rare-Earth Corrosion Protection Mechanisms

For decades, the Department of Defense (DoD) has used coating systems that contain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the form of chromates to prevent corrosion on military weapons systems, particularly aircraft. Because chemical compounds containing Cr(VI) are toxic and carcinogenic, in 2009 DoD initiated a policy to eliminate where possible their use as long as there was no loss in performance. In recent years, rare-earth compounds have shown promise as environmentally benign corrosion inhibitors in conversion coatings and primers. Still, the exact mechanisms by which these alternatives work remained unknown, limiting their usefulness.
Dr. Bill Fahrenholtz and his team from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Deft, Inc. have made fundamental discoveries in understanding how rare-earth compounds containing cerium or praseodymium inhibit corrosion. Their research determined that the appropriate phase of a rare-earth compound has to be incorporated into the proper type of coating to provide corrosion protection in specific environments.
Through their efforts, Dr. Fahrenholtz and his team have dramatically advanced DoD’s understanding of these compounds and how they inhibit corrosion. Not only does the research of Dr. Fahrenholtz and his team represent a significant scientific achievement, it also exemplifies a highly successful collaborative effort between a university and private industry. The results of this project will provide direction for further development of rare-earth compounds as surface treatments and coatings for the military that will reduce the use of toxic Cr(VI) compounds while providing corrosion protection.
For this groundbreaking work, Dr. Fahrenholtz and his team received a 2012 SERDP Project of the Year Award.
Project Overview
Project Team
Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Bill Fahrenholtz
- Matt O'Keefe
- Becky Treu
- Beth Kulp
- Surender Maddela
- James Claypool
- Daimon Heller
- Will Pinc
- Simon Joshi
Deft, Inc.
- Eric Morris
- Rich Albers
Webinar Series
Promoting the transfer of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
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Winter 2021 | |
Program Area Updates
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Energy and Water |
November 2019 | |