High-Temperature, Abrasion-Resistant Coating

The F-35 JSF aircraft imposes a demanding set of reliability requirements, particularly in regard to operation temperature. Millions of dollars are spent every year repairing coatings that cannot withstand high temperatures while maintaining mechanical properties, including those on BMI composite parts for the JSF. The current Teflon-filled coating on the F-35 aft boom covers abrades easily during use at 450oF and short durations at 650°F. TRI/Austin proposes an innovative coating approach to utilize a thermally stable vinyl functional polysilazane binder with an inorganic, high temperature, pigment package that will have superior thermal stability coupled with outstanding abrasion resistance. This coating can be spray or brush applied, and test formulations have already shown excellent results. The technical objectives are to develop optimum coating formulations for polymer coated BMI composites and demonstrate superior thermal protection; confirm that the coating provides excellent adhesion, flexibility, and color as well as resistance to abrasion, chemicals, corrosion, and impact; and investigate test methods to confirm the coating's resistance to abrasion at elevated temperatures. This new high-temperature, abrasion-resistant coating should find many applications in military and commercial aircraft as well as in automotive parts, industrial equipment, and improving commodity materials.