Advanced Corrosion Protection Scheme for Magnesium Helicopter Components

The objective of this Phase II research is to develop and test prototype mobile and portable Tagnite units to be used to selectively apply Tagnite anodized coatings to magnesium surfaces after final machining by the OEM and during the overhaul phase of thecomponent at the field and depot level. Phase I research successfully demonstrated the feasibility of developing the anodized coatings and their use in mobile and portable units. The coatings are non-chromate and provide superior corrosion protection,abrasion resistance, with paint adhesion characteristics equal to DOW 19 chromate conversion coating. The units eliminate the use of chromate conversion coatings and their environmental shortcomings, while significantly improving performance. The mobileunit will consist of a small rectifier, cooling unit, electrolyte storage, collection reservoirs, as well as application heads or brushes, mounted on a mobile cart with large work surface. The portable unit will be a small hand held battery operated unit,capable of repairing small areas on magnesium components while still on the rotorcraft. Specifically designed for use on military rotorcraft, the commercial applications include military fixed wing, civilian fixed wing and rotorcraft, as well as a varietyof non-aerospace applications such as the automotive and sporting good industries.