ELECTROCHEMICAL STRIPPING OF COATINGS FROM ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Until recently, polymer coatings were stripped from aluminum alloys using volatile organic compoound solvents. This is being phased out for environmental reasons. Mechanical techniques like PMB also have severe environmental impact. New methods need to be explored. The approach in this proposal is to use phenomena associated with electrogasdynamic (EGD) coatings to make microscopic punctures in polymer films, and then use electrochemical means to release the film from the substrate. During Phase I, the feasibility of this application will be demonstrated, and during Phase II, larger and more practical systems will be developed.