Cadmium plating is used in many applications to provide corrosion protection of metallic substrates. Cadmium also possesses material properties (such as galvanic compatibility, lubricity and electrical conductivity) that make it a desirable coating. Cadmium is a carcinogen and its waste can pose health risks to workers. Extensive research has been done to evaluate cadmium alternatives for components, including fasteners and small steel hardware. However, electrical connectors present a unique problem, in that not only must they be corrosion and abrasion reistant, but they must also be electrically conductive to provide EMI/RFI shielding. During our research efforts a one-to-one substitution for cadmium was not identified. However, potential alternatives were defined based on the intended application.
Keywords: cadmium, electrical connectors, corrosion, accelerated testing, emi/rfi shielding.