Multifunctional Aircraft Protective Coating

The coating system currently used on U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft is a two-coat system consisting of a chromated epoxy primer per MIL-PRF-23377 ("23377 primer") underneath a urethane topcoat per MIL-PRF-85285 ("85285 topcoat"). The development of a multi-functional coating with advanced performance properties is critical to achieving a single step corrosion inhibiting topcoat to replace the current two-coat system. The objective of this proposal is to continue development, testing, and manufacture of a single step corrosion inhibiting topcoat with the performance properties of the two-coat system consisting of 23377 primer and 85285 topcoat. Particular attention will be paid to the adhesion, corrosion, flexibility, and weather resistance properties of those specifications. In Phase I, SBIR Proposal Number F05-133-3538, feasibility of a multi-functional coating with advanced performance properties was demonstrated. In general, the latest generation of products developed during Phase I show comparable performance results to the current two-coat system. Phase II will pursue advanced development of a multi-functional coating. Multi-functional coating formulations will be optimized, scaled-up, and tested for performance and application properties. A commercialized, multi-functional coating or self-priming topcoat could be utilized by both military and commercial aircraft entities on original equipment repaint operations and repairs in the field. It could also be commercialized for use on Air Force ground support equipment and US. Army combat vehicles and equipment. The optimized multi-functional coating will be fast curing, chromate-free, and contain low volatile organic content ("VOC"). These properties will provide an extremely production and environmentally friendly coating.