A Southwest Research Institute engineer working for the U.S. Air Force Coatings Technology Integration Office prepares an aluminum panel for performance testing of a new coating.

"The most recent task placed on the contract will provide paints and coatings integration-related services for three major projects," says David Barrington, SwRI Manager for the CTIO. The advanced-performance coating topcoat project will assess the durability and corrosion-control performance of a new class of commercially available aerospace coatings. The second project supports the development of a revised aerospace Material Specification for cleaning solvents under the Air Force's environmentally acceptable wipe solvent program. The third CTIO project is to identify, test, and evaluate new equipment and to improve paint-application processes. Efforts from this project will include measurement of surface cleanliness on aircraft and equipment for improved paint adhesion, assessing new instruments for monitoring the quality of freshly applied paints in depot hangers, and evaluating new support equipment, including spray guns, to improve coating quality and reduce aircraft corrosion.

SwRI is also conducting assessments of applique or adhesive materials proposed as possible alternatives to sprayed coatings and evaluating a handheld laser or plasma stripper designed to reduce exposure to hazardous materials and improve personnel health and safety.

Information was provided by Southwest Research Institute.