Advanced Molecular Coating for Aluminum and Steel Substrate Surfaces

The current inventory of Department of Defense fixed site and mobile tactical weapon systems relies on metallic structures that are extremely susceptible to corrosion. The primary reason for field and depot level repairs of military equipment iscorrosion. Metallic weapon systems and their components require extensive corrosion protection to extend service life and prevent operational failures. Current practices consist of polyurethane primers and topcoats for corrosion protection of metallicsurfaces and structural members. These maintenance processes require significant resources (approximately 800 million dollars per year1) for corrosion treatment applications and the related Haz-Mat disposal processes. Under Executive Order 13148, federalagencies are required to reduce the use of selected priority chemicals (including chromium) by 50% by 2006. Compliance burdens and human health concerns due to exposures are well documented. By substituting a corrosion inhibiting protective molecularcoating that will resolve corrosion problems while offering new and higher standards for longevity of the coating, simple application techniques for field operations, low environmental impact, and relatively low cost, a significant reduction of theenvironmental compliance burden and total cost of corrosion (including both cost and risk) will be achieved.