Repair of HighTemperature RAM Coatings

Simple, affordable, durable repair methods that can be performed in the field are required for high temperature radar absorbing material (RAM) coatings. The proposed Phase I research will build upon previous RAM coating research at MSNW, Inc. The projectwill develop and demonstrate unique, robust RAM repair materials that are chemically, mechanically, and electrically compatible with the RAM coating. Experimental evaluation will include metallographic and SEM/x-ray studies of the repaired areas to assurechemical compatibility. The repairs will also be evaluated via thermal cycling and/or burner rig, mechanical testing at ambient temperature (adhesion/bond strength) before and after extended thermal exposure and electrical testing at both ambient andelevated temperatures. Additional testing at the end of Phase I will be performed on a downselected repair material and will include moisture susceptibility and salt fog testing. The project will target a Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems intermediatetemperature coating and application in Phase I, and the lessons learned will be applied to higher temperature Lockheed Martin systems in Phase II with potential applicability to JSF. The anticipated benefits include significantly simpler and easier fieldrepair methods leading to lower maintainability costs. The developed repair materials are expected to find military uses in the repair and refurbishment of RAM-coated airframe and engine hardware in both manned and unmanned vehicles. The potentialcommercial applications are minimal.