Corrosion Prevention Coatings

Military aircraft are largely constructed from special aluminum alloys, which typically have secondary precipitate phases that substantially improve mechanical strength. However, these regions also promote corrosion in such common environmental conditionsas acid rain, saltwater, and thermal cycling. The problem is significant enough that the U.S. Air Force expends approximately $1 billion per year on corrosion-related maintenance for its aluminum-skinned aircraft. The team of CMS Technetronics and tworesearch groups from Oklahoma State University proposes to develop next-generation, nanoengineered surface treatments that will meet the goals of superior protection against corrosion, environmental compliance, and controllable removal. The team'sadvanced, integrated, composite-nanophasic materials systems can provide the USAF with corrosion-inhibiting properties superior to present coatings systems.The development of advanced corrosion suppression methods utilizing nanoengineered structures offersnew opportunities for aircraft corrosion prevention and maintenance. Use of