High-Temperature, Abrasion-Resistant Coating

Many of the coatings used on composite aircraft cannot withstand high temperatures, especially while maintaining mechanical properties such as abrasion resistance. Abrasive challenges have plagued F-35 coated composites because of operating at 450ºF (232ºC) for extended periods of time while being abraded as the aft elevators are adjusted. Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI) proposes an innovative coating approach to utilize a thermally stable preceramic binder in conjunction with inorganic, high temperature abrasion resistant filler, and also a heat resistant inorganic camouflage pigment package. Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. (TRI) in the Phase I SBIR effort developed a low temperature cured, single component, heat stable, high temperature abrasion resistant coating. This coating material facilitates improved high temperature wear of composite surfaces. A comprehensive coating development program will be executed in the Phase II to insure product viability, confidence in the coating, develop specifications, and to prepare for Phase III insertion and commercialization. This Phase II responds directly to needs for development, testing, specification, packaging, production, and ultimately demonstration as a coating material for the JSF. Our proposed project approach will mitigate high temperature abrasive wear, cost, maintainers time associated with repairs, and thermally protect the BMI composites. BENEFIT: These unique coatings will be directly and immediately applicable for OEM application and repair of the F-35, and ultimately any other military aircraft requiring high temperature abrasion resistance. Additionally, these coatings can be built up providing considerable thermal protection for many composites and extending the operational capability of composite aircraft. Another future application for these coating may be in the area of conductive high temperature thermally protective coatings for composites. Use of the new technology will result in the savings of thousands of repair and production hours. While the initial focus for these new coating is specific to the F-35 program the application for these new materials are clearly very broad. These new materials offer outstanding thermal protection and open new high temperature applications for composite structures.