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

Primer systems on aircraft protect the integrity of the underlying aluminum alloy through a combination of corrosion prevention and corrosion mitigation. The primers must maintain excellent adhesion with the substrate to prevent the introduction of water and the subsequent formation of a corrosion cell. These entry points are likely to form around seams and fasteners and can be caused by a lack of coating flexibility. In the event that a corrosion cell is able to form, corrosion inhibitors reduce the rate of corrosion once it has started. Primer systems are currently available that provide adequate flexibility and corrosion control, but they contain high levels of volatile organic components (VOC) and chromate containing inhibitors. Luna Innovations proposes to use a novel coating resin system and chromate free corrosion inhibitors to develop a high flexibility aircraft primer that provides the adhesion, corrosion inhibition, and compatibility with existing topcoats that is needed by the Air Force. The proposed Phase I coating development effort will create a sprayable coating system through a focus on resin development, formulation, and coating characterization.