Validation of Novel Electroactive Polymers as Environmentally Compliant Coatings for Replacement of Hexavalent Chromium Pretreatments

WP-200527

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate an effective, environmentally benign, repairable coating system using electroactive polymers (EAP) as a replacement for chromated conversion coatings (CCC). Performance will be validated with currently used non-chromated primers on aluminum, titanium, and composites, as well as on steel.

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Technology Description

The coating system to be demonstrated and validated involves the use of an EAP (a poly(phenylene vinylene)) as the pretreatment material to replace hexavalent chromium on aluminum alloys. Numerous reports have shown that EAPs coated on various substrates and exposed to corrosive environments can inhibit and retard corrosion. These studies have laid the foundation for the current work using EAPs by Naval Air Systems Command, Weapons Division (NAVAIR-WD). Recent work has demonstrated that poly(phenylene vinylene), specifically BAM-PPV, can perform as well as current CCC in a coating system in neutral salt fog experiments. Similar to chrome, the actual mechanism of corrosion protection from EAPs is still being studied. Some theories involve metal passivation, changes in the metal oxidation potential, or serving as an efficient barrier. To demonstrate and validate the potential usefulness of BAM-PPV as a conversion coating or pretreatment in military coating systems, several demonstrations will be performed by NAVAIR, Air Force, and the Army. These demonstrations will address issues of application, removal, corrosion performance, repairability, and compatibility with substrate materials and primers.

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Benefits

An environmentally benign, repairable EAP-based coating system as a replacement for hexavalent chromium pretreatments will lead to significant life cycle cost savings as well as compliance with existing and future environmental regulations. In addition, performance of non-chromated coating systems will be enhanced. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2010)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Peter Zarras

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

Phone: 760-939-1396

Fax: 760-939-1617

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.