- 30 July 2007 -
Nanotechnology Finishing Techniques Emerging in Aircraft, Naval Applications

More end-use sectors, including airline/aerospace and naval operations, are adopting finishing methods based nanotechnology. These applications range from vessels to parts and even office buildings and facilities.

Case in point: PPG Aerospace—the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries—and Altair Nanotechnologies (Reno, Nev.) recently announced agreements for the development and commercialization of environmentally friendly nanoparticle technology to replace chromate in aircraft primer that affords superior corrosion resistance in high-solids and waterborne formulas. Specifically, PPG and Altairnano will develop nanometal oxide dispersion technology under a three-year research agreement, with an added five-year contract for commercialization and supply that begins in 2008.

The development combines Altairnano’s proprietary nanometal oxide dispersion technology and PPG’s proprietary resin to create a primer that will replace today’s chromate-based coatings, according to Paul Bowman, PPG Aerospace global business platform manager for coatings. Under the agreements, Altairnano will make the nanometal oxide chemical dispersion using PPG’s proprietary resin technology to meet the final paint requirements.

"The technology will be developed for primer in both interior structural and exterior fuselage applications, giving customers a safe, sound solution to eliminate chromate from the production stream," Bowman explained. "It represents the first time we will be able to have a primer that works similarly to chromate-containing materials without the environmental issues involved in the use of chromates."

Bowman said the technology also looks promising for the creation of other corrosion-resistant coatings, and the companies expect to commercialize the chromate-free primer later this year.

Altair CEO Alan Gotcher, Ph.D., is similarly optimistic. "We are enthusiastic to be working with the world’s largest aerospace coatings company to develop, commercialize and manufacture this green technology," he said.

Nanotechnology for lead abatement
Regarding nanotechnology in Naval applications, Industrial Nanotech, Inc. recently announced its nanotechnology-based coatings (Nansulate LDX) will be used on U.S. Navy buildings. Specifically, Nansulate LDX, a patented lead encapsulation coating, is being applied at a Pacific U.S. Navy facility by a military contractor for encapsulation of the existing lead-based paint.

"This is a very significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to gain market share for Nansulate LDX throughout U.S. Government facilities worldwide,” said Francesca Crolley, vice president of operations for Industrial Nanotech, based in Naples, Fla. “The performance capabilities of our new, environmentally safe, water-based, lead abatement coating offers a new technology in lead abatement that can be applied to any substrate, forming a barrier coat to seal highly toxic lead paints.”

According to Crolley, LDX offers the combination of thermal insulation, protection against corrosion, and the prevention of mold growth without the use of toxic moldicides. The product also offers an eco-friendly alternative for environmental remediation. “The ease of application, the performance criteria, and surface tolerance make Nansulate LDX a premier lead abatement coating,” she added.
Source: BusinessWire