POR FESR | Bluclad S.p.A

New Electrodeposition Process of Aluminum on Fashion Accessories through the Development of DES and Subsequent Coloring

POR FESR 2014-2020 - Action 1.1.5 Sub-action a1 - Call 2 'Research and Development Projects for SMEs'.
Project Implementation Period: October 2017 / March 14, 2020
Project Amount: € 625,123.07
Union Co-financing Rate: 45%
Local unit where the project expenses were incurred: Prato (PO) Via del Molinuzzo CAP 59100, Italy

'BLUCLAD SPA Project financed under the POR FESR Tuscany 2014-2020'
Project Title: New Electrodeposition Process of Aluminum on Fashion Accessories through the Development of DES and Subsequent Coloring
Acronym: EL4ALL

A new aluminum electrodeposition process from DES (second-generation ionic liquids) will be developed and optimized for accessories intended for the high-fashion sector, followed by coloring through anodization. Currently, it is only possible to deposit aluminum using defined first-generation ionic liquids, which is extremely complex and economically disadvantageous for industrial use in the fashion accessory sector, both in terms of raw material costs (ionic liquids) and the need for controlled atmosphere operation (humidity-free). DESs are non-toxic substances, easily obtainable from renewable sources, less sensitive to humidity, and low-cost. Prototypes will be developed for the experimental development of galvanic baths based on the use of DES and for aluminum coloring on fashion accessories. The prototypes will be developed with a view to Industry 4.0, with remote control to increase their reliability through fault monitoring and analysis and predictive maintenance.