Innovative Approaches for Utilizing Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) in Anti-Corrosion Coatings

The key responsibility of aerospace coatings systems has been, historically, to protect the airframe from environmental damage. As the roles and materials of modern tactical aircraft have evolved, the coating systems that protect them have become significantly more complicated. To address the need for a corrosion inhibiting primer to meet demanding environmental and operational requirements, Luna Innovations Incorporated proposes to develop an aerospace primer containing a blend of nanocarbon particles and non-chrome inhibitors that will provide conductivity and long range corrosion inhibition. The proposed coating technology will be formulated for conventional spray application, but with rheological properties that allow for touch-up brush application with desirable flow and leveling properties that do not drip or run. A binder providing strong substrate and intercoat adhesion, and mechanical strength, will be utilized. After application, the coating will cure under ambient conditions, and meet dry time and recoat window requirements outlined in MIL-PRF-23377J.