Hentzen Coatings receives SBIR award
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Hentzen Coatings, Inc. has been chosen to research and develop a multifunctional aircraft protective coating for the United States Air Force under SBIR 05.1 Topic AF-133, Proposal F051-133-3538.
The Air Force SBIR Program is a mission-oriented program that integrates the needs and requirements of the Air Force through R&D topics that have military and commercial potential. Information can be found at the following website: http://www.afrl.af.mil/sbir/index.htm.
Details of the SBIR Topic: AF05-133
TITLE: Multifunctional Aircraft Protective Coating
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes
OBJECTIVE: Development of a non toxic, environmentally compliant aircraft protective coating capable of providing both active corrosion protection/inhibition and desired optical signature properties.
DESCRIPTION: Current military aircraft utilize a protective coating system that consists of separate primer and topcoat films, both individually applied. The primer coating (MIL-PRF-23377) is typically an epoxy resin pigmented with strontium chromate to satisfy the system function of corrosion protection. The topcoat is generally a polyurethane resin with appropriate pigmentation to provide the desired color, infrared properties, and gloss on the exterior surface. The Air Force would achieve a significant reduction in volatile organic content/hazardous air pollutant (VOC/HAP) emissions as well as labor costs via utilization of a single coating film that could provide all functions of both the current primer and topcoat. Recent developments in promising non-Cr(6+) corrosion inhibitors that are not intensely colored may offer the opportunity for developing such a multifunctional coating.
PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of a prototype coating that utilizes proven effective non chromium-based active corrosion inhibitors. The coating shall be capable of meeting all or nearly all of the MIL-PRF-23377 primer requirements, particularly with respect to corrosion protection and adhesion. Additionally, the coating shall meet all or nearly all of the MIL-PRF-85285 topcoat requirements, particularly with respect to color (Fed. Std. 36375), gloss, and weathering durability. The coating shall be applied to AA2024-T3 substrates with conventional surface cleaning, preparation, and pre-treatment procedures. Accelerated test methods shall be employed to evaluate corrosion resistance and exterior durability. The coating shall be capable of curing to the extent that aircraft flight is permitted within 24 hours. A compatible nondestructive evaluation/inspection (NDE/I) technique for substrate corrosion protection shall be identified.
PHASE II: Optimization of prototype coating to satisfy all existing requirements of both primer and topcoat materials. Incorporation of testing on available non chrome surface treatments. Development of modifications to expand available federal standard color options. Utilize comprehensive accelerated performance testing to develop lifetime prediction of performance. Development and implementation of NDE/I techniques for monitoring coating performance. A 5-gallon sample of fully formulated coating capable of being applied by a third party for independent performance evaluation will be delivered at the end of the program.
DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: Many military platforms can use such a coating system as an alternative to environmentally unfriendly processes currently used. Many similar commercial aerospace applications would exist. The system would be an affordable and environmentally friendly option versus current processes that produce significant volatile organic content and hazardous air pollutants.
REFERENCES:
1. MIL-PRF-23377.
2. MIL-PRF-85285.
3. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (1995) Air Force Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Aircraft Coatings, pp. 128. Air Force Materiel Command: Bolling AFB.
4. Koleske, J. V., “Aerospace and Aircraft Coatings,” Chapter 58, Paint and Coating Testing Manual, in ASTM Manual Series Vol. MNL 17, pp. 925. Ed. B. Gardner, ASTM: Philadelphia, PA, 1995.
KEYWORDS: aircraft coating, non chrome, corrosion inhibition, multi-functional, AA2024-T3, primer, topcoat |
