Fasteners/Rivets for Watertight Integrity and Corrosion Prevention in Permanent Applications

"During aircraft and helicopter production, fasteners arecurrently wet installed with a two-component polysulfide-sealantto impart water tightness and corrosion resistance. Applying thetwo-component sealant is both time consuming and laborintensive. Furthermore, the excess sealant can be classified ashazardous waste due to chromate content. Under the Phase I SBIRprogram, METSS was able to demonstrates the technical feasibilityof using several different approaches to developing and pre-applying polymeric sealants to fasteners that create a watertightseal and protect the substrate materials from corrosion afterinstallation. Under the Phase II SBIR program, METSS will morefully develop each of these approaches and evaluate them againsta rigorous testing and evaluation program derived from existingperformance specifications for sealants and fasteners. Thedevelopment, incorporation and qualification of environmentallyfriendly corrosion inhibitors to impart the necessary corrosionprotection will be emphasized. The final product will be fullyqualified against performance standards and manufacturer criterianeeded to support system implementation. By working closely withthe manufacturing community and the end user, METSS will ensurethat the results of the Phase II program establish a solidfoundation for technology commercialization and implementation.BENEFITS: The results from this SBIR program will eliminate the need to apply a wet, two-