Environmentally-Compliant Kinetic Metallization Coating Materials for Corrosion and Wear Protection

ABSTRACT: Future corrosion and wear protection of structural metals on on military aircraft and weapon systems will require advanced development of metallic and composite materials that are not restricted with respect to environment, safety and occupational health regulations. Conventional metallic alloys containing chromium, nickel, cobalt, and tungsten that have historically provided coating protection for aircraft and weapon system components will no longer be permitted for future military applications. Inovati proposes to identify several heavy metal free and environmentally compliant materials that can be applied as corrosion and wear resistant coatings using the low temperature Kinetic Metallization process and equipment. The Phase I STTR research will develop the formulations of these metallic and composite powder materials and test the metallurgical, mechanical, wear, and corrosion properties of these coatings. It is anticipate that one or more successful coatings will be down selected for further test and evaluation in Phase II to demonstrate the performance of the new material coatings applied to military aircraft components and/or platforms.; BENEFIT: The proposed heavy metal free and environmentally compliant coating materials will benefit the military with low cost solutions for future corrosion and wear protection coatings that are not not restricted with respect to environment, safety and occupational health (ESOH) regulations. Application of these coatings with the low temperature Kinetic Metallization process will preclude thermal degradation of the component material properties. Implementation of these materials for use in the military will find applications in the commercial aerospace and heavy equipment industries while improving worker safety and compliance with the ever-increasing environmental regulations.