PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE ANTICORROSIVE PROPERTIES OF AIRCRAFT COATINGS BY ELECTROCHEMICAL METHODS

Strict regulations concerning the content of volatile organic compound s (VOCs) and heavy metals (Cr6+) in, aircraft coating systems have inc reased the economic burden of the United States Air Force (USAF) in th e area of coating maintenance. To this end, it is critical to have met hods to characterize new coating systems in such a manner that the dat a can be used to predict accurately and reliably the expected Lifetime of the coatings in service. Electrochemical noise method (ENM) and el ectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are two techniques used to monitor extent and rate of corrosion. The USAF is currently employing these methods in order to supplement data acquired from traditional sa lt-spray methods. ENM and EIS are used to evaluate each component of t he coating system and its contribution to corrosion prevention. Prelim inary evaluations of an aircraft coating system on aluminum substrate (Al 2024-T3) produces resistance noise values of 10(6) to 10(7) Omega/ cm(2). It is hoped that these results will form the basis of coatings that give increased USAF fleet service life and reduction in maintenan ce manpower and materials costs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.