Novel Resin System for Low-VOC, Chromate Free, Highly Flexible Aircraft Primer

To meet the need for a high performance flexible primer that is low-VOC, chromate free, and compatible with existing coating systems, Luna Innovations is developing a new class of flexible coating binder, based on novel resin technology. Through a strong fundamental understanding of polymer structure-property relationships, coating formulation expertise, and coatings characterization, the Luna team is creating a new class of aerospace primers that is highly flexible, high performance, and compatible with current coating systems. The developed material will be applicable in depot repair as well as a new construction at original equipment manufacturers. During the Phase II program, Luna will build on the excellent results from Phase I to finalize the primer formulation through selection of resin, binder system, solvent packages, and functional additives; ptimize processing techniques; characterize the performance properties of full coating systems; prepare for pre-production scale up; and develop and execute a commercialization strategy to rapidly transition the materials for Air Force applications. The proposed coating system could supplant current technology with environmentally acceptable coating systems that provide equivalent, if not improved, performance. BENEFIT: The aerospace coatings market is affected by increasing regulations concerning VOC levels and environmentally toxic materials, such as chromates. Development of non-chromated primers and zero-VOC or low VOC primers has been a key focus of the coatings industry. In recent years, there has been increased use of zero-VOC or low VOC primers and non-chromated primers in commercial aircraft and automotive original equipment manufacturing facilities and refurbishing depots. The Air Force is the likely first customer for this technology. Broadly, the other Military Services are also expected to reap the benefits in terms of reduced costs through improved performance of non-chrome flexible primer coatings for protection of large aircraft. Additionally, Luna’s low VOC, chromate free, highly flexible aircraft primer product will find utility in the growing environmentally friendly coatings sector including: commercial aircraft, automotive, and recreational vehicle industries.