Session Details
Session 1: Aerospace/Defense Response to REACh
Abstract Number:
121
This presentation will benefit the audience by providing insight into converting from hexavalent chromium (Cr) based primers to a Cr-free superhydrophobic topcoat and primer coating stack up. At the end of this presentation, the audience will understand the exceptional benefits of superhydrophobic technology, including increased cleanability, increased chemical resistance improved corrosion resistance, and reduced drag. The audience will also understand this technology decreases maintenance, is easier to handle, and results in material and equipment cost savings.
Topics:
General Surface Finishing, Aerospace and Defense
Hexavalent chromium is commonly utilized in coatings across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), especially in epoxy primers. ES3 has developed a superhydrophobic primer and topcoat that does not contain hexavalent chromium and results in contact angles of greater than 150 degrees. This effort seeks to eliminate chromium from the topcoat and primer, while increasing hydrophobicity, icephobicity, cleanability, and maintainability, resulting in an improved coating stack up that’s better for the maintainer, the aircraft, and the environment.
This objective of this effort addresses the need to eliminate the use of hexavalent chrome-based primers commonly found in primers by developing a Cr-free epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat with superhydrophobic (SH) pigments for aerospace applications and use. The coating has been extensively tested against legacy military primer and topcoat specifications, MIL-PRF-23377 and MIL-PRF-85285, respectively. ES3 is working with a chemical manufacturer to advance development of the superhydrophobic primer and topcoat that has passed military specification testing to date. Upon completion of this effort, ES3 will have fully validated this Cr-free superhydrophobic topcoat and primer meets the same requirements as legacy hexavalent chromium-based primer and topcoat stack ups.