Erosion Resistance Coatings for Composite Propulsor/Fan Blades

Fiber glass reinforced polymers and light weight aluminum have been used in building the structural components for ships and aircraft. As a structural part, these materials are very rigid and strong. On the other hand, fiber reinforced polymer and aluminum do not perform well in a cavitating environment and they can be sand eroded very quickly. These deficiencies are especially serious for the propulsion and lift fans for air-cushion vehicles such as LCACs. The goal of this proposed contract work is to develop cost effective coatings on composite materials for insertion into naval propulsion (in air and in water) and lift fan systems that improve durability by enabling the composite blades to become highly resistant to erosion from cavitation, sand, mist, rain, or sea-water spray while providing compatibility with geometry and ease of installation. This proposal involves with the use of Hontek’s high performance sand and rain erosion resistant sprayable coatings to protect the underwater propulsors (ships and subs) and propulsion and lift fans (for air-cushion vehicles such as LCACs). A secondary approach is to use Hontek’s molding resins to form a skin layer or molded boot for adhesive bonding onto the composite propulsors or fan blades.