LINKOPING, SWEDEN -- PVD technology supplier Impact Coatings has been issued a patent for its metal alloy coating

for electrical contacts. The company's coating material can replace electroplated gold as a contact finish in electronics.

The patent covers the material, branded as Silver MaxPhase, which can be applies using physical vapor deposition, a vacuum coating technology.

PVD, the company says, is more eco-friendly than plating and does not pose a threat to users in and around manufacturing plants. PVD is already commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing.

The coating is a low-cost metal alloy said to exhibit anti-tarnish behavior to prevent surface corrosion. The company asserts the material has contact properties similar to gold, for use in a range of applications.