Corrosion Prediction: Assessing the Effect of Corrosion Protection System Aging

Aircraft coatings are complex systems consisting of metal/conversioncoat-primer interface, primer coat, and topcoat. Degradation is caused by synergistic mechanical and chemical/environmental effects. This phase I proposal focuses on modeling the chemicaldegradation of the coating system due to UV and water exposure only. Multi-spectral analysis and electrochemical impedance techniques will be used to follow chemical changes in the system with exposure level and time. An experimental plan has been devisedwhereby the degradation of each component of the coating system can be determined. Based on the experimental findings,S&K Technologies existing corrosion prediction life service model will be enhanced to include degradation of the coating system as afunction of time and basing.A test methodology for evaluation of coating systems for aluminum and a coating life prediction tool will result from this Phase I effort.