Abrasion and Impact Resistant Hydrophobic Thermoplastic Coatings for Aircraft Landing Skis/Skids

ABSTRACT: The current polyurethane based coatings on the landing skis/skids of US Air Force aircraft require frequent maintenance due to exposure to extreme conditions. A long-lasting, low-friction, hydrophobic, impact and abrasion resistant coating on the landing ski/skids is highly desired to ensure the ski/skid equipped aircraft can continue to meet their unique mission requirement. Resodyn Corporation proposes a material solution in the form a nanocomposite thermoplastic polymer coating that, in addition to addressing issues with the current coatings, will impart novel features, such as easy and fast in-field repair, hydrophobicity and self-healing properties to the coating. Resodyn Corporation"s Polymer Thermal Spray technology and Resonant Acoustic Mixing technology will enable delivery of a successful solution. BENEFIT: The proposed hydrophobic material solution will lead to a long lasting thermoplastic coating on aircraft landing skis/skids. Maintenance can be performed in-field, simply by heat sealing the damaged areas. The novel morphology of the proposed coating will impart superior impact and abrasion resistance not shown by typical thermoplastic materials.