An Alternate Corrosion Resistant Coating to be Applied to Magnesium Components

The Air Force needs to identify and qualify a corrosion resistant coating applicable to magnesium gearboxes, covers and other secondary power system parts. Current coatings, considered corrosion resistant, are often barely better than no coating at all. According to the web sources for FY 2008 – 2009, the cost of corrosion to the Air Force was $4.5 billion, with 24% of maintenance cost contributed to corrosion. Several other reports indicate that the current cost to the overall U.S. economy related to corrosion is greater that $1 trillion annually. With this being said the problem must be addressed and materials and/or coating solutions developed and utilized. United Protective Technologies (UPT) has extensive experience in the development and application of nanocomposite thin film (NCTF) surface treatments onto a wide range of substrates including Aluminum, Magnesium and other structural materials. These coatings offer a viable solution for Air Force applications in which corrosion and wear are prevalent.