1. Aluminum Rich Primer USAF Non-Chrome TIM 2017
January 2018
USAF Non-Chrome TIM 2017
Julia Russell/Brenna Skelley

2. Overview
Background
NAWC-AD has developed a non-chromated primer using an aluminum alloy pigment. This primer has exhibited corrosion performance superior to that of the current high-performance non-chromate primers the fleet is using.
The Aluminum rich (Al-rich) primer has shown that it can perform well on aluminum and steel substrates, making it a MIL-DTL and MIL-PRF candidate. Outside of NAVAIR this primer may have benefits across the Department of Defense and in commercial applications.
Public Release (SPR #: )

3. Overview Key Technology
NAWC-AD has developed a process for passivating the aluminum alloy pigment to give the coating greater resistance to self-corrosion and extended life to protect the substrate.
Navy.mil Photo
Public Release (SPR #: )

4. Technical Accomplishments
Continuing to optimize primer performance based on numerous composition variables
Epoxy resin, metal pigment loading levels, inorganic inhibitors, solvent package, and anti-settling additives
Testing scaled-up products produced by NAVAIR licensees
Demonstrating products with Army, Marine Corps and Navy
Aircraft and ground support equipment demonstrations
Aluminum and steel substrates
Public Release (SPR #: )

5. After 2000 hours in Cyclic GMW 14872
Aluminum Rich Primer
Al-rich primer over Grit blasted steel
LP formulation of Al-rich Primer MIL-PRF Steel Control
with Type IV Topcoat DFT: 3-5 mils with Type IV Topcoat DFT: 3-5 mils
After 2000 hours in Cyclic GMW 14872
Public Release (SPR #: )

6. Al-rich with non-chromate inhibitor package
Aluminum Rich Primer
Phosphated Steel: effect of supplemental inhibitors
Control Al-rich Primer
Al-rich with non-chromate inhibitor package
After 500 hours (21 cycles) in Cyclic corrosion testing
Public Release (SPR #: )

7. Aluminum Rich Primer Al-rich with supplementary inhibitors
Al-rich primer (L) 2000 hours NSF and (R) 2000 hours Cyclic with non-chromate inhibitor package
Public Release (SPR #: )

8. Aluminum Rich Primer
January Al-rich primer was applied to a NET-4 trailer at NAS Oceana.
Tow bar and axles topcoated with polyurethane topcoat
Tow bar primed with Al-rich
Tow bar and axle primed with Al-rich primer
Public Release (SPR #: )

9. Aluminum Rich Primer
February Army H-60 demonstration at TASM-G in Groton, CT. Parts of an H-60 Black Hawk were painted with Al-rich primer.
H-60 Stabilator
H-60 Cargo Door
Public Release (SPR #: )

10. Aluminum Rich Primer
May 2017 – Aluminum-rich demonstration over grit blasted steel on Spotting Dolly that will deploy on U.S.S. Stennis
Fully assembled spotting dolly
Aluminum-rich on chassis of spotting dolly
Painter spraying aluminum-rich primer
Public Release (SPR #: )

11. Aluminum Rich Primer Demonstration Feedback
Painters would like a tinted color so the Al-rich primer is not the same color as the metal
Support equipment community would like dry to topcoat time reduced to 2 hours or less
Technical Data sheet should specify that a 1.8mm spray gun tip is needed for Al-rich primer
Navy.mil Photo
Public Release (SPR #: )

12. Aluminum Rich Primer Future Plans/Demonstrations
August Al-rich primer was applied to a P-25 Fire truck at the Support Equipment FRC in Solomons, MD
Fall Marine Corps mobile facilities will be sprayed with Al-rich primer at the Marine Corps Base in Albany, GA
Fall 2017 – Al-rich primer will be demonstrated on Army H-60 parts at the TASM in Springfield, MO
Army.mil Photo
Public Release (SPR #: )

13. Aluminum Rich Primer Transition efforts
ONR Future Naval Capabilities project is supporting the scale up of Al-rich primer by licensees
This summer, draft MIL-PRF specifications for a new class of primer to include the Al-rich, are being drafted
Demonstrations on small scale assets and low risk areas will continue, with the goal of larger scale demonstrations in the near future
Public Release (SPR #: )

14. Other Topics of Interest
MIL-PRF-23377, Ty I, CL N products authorized on OML
Aerosols – authorization and availability of NC aerosols
Touch up applicators: (Chromate and NC)
Ensure shelf-life and recommend storage conditions for optimal performance
Low VOC for Support Equipment
Meet MD COMAR regulations
Chemical reactivation of solventborne NC epoxy primers
Alternative to scuff sanding/solvent wiping when recoat window has been exceeded
TT-P-1757
establish QPL for single component chromate and NC touch up

15. Questions? Julia Russell 301-342-8112 Julia.m.russell@navy.mil
Brenna Skelley
Ed Lipnickas

16. ONR FNC Advanced Topcoat Systems (ATS)
September 2017
USAF Non-Chrome TIM 2017
Julia Russell/Craig Matzdorf/Bill Nickerson

17. ONR FNC Advanced Topcoat Systems
Funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Future Naval Capability (FNC) Program
Two “products”: air vehicle & ground vehicle
Focus on air vehicle for remaining slides
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

18. Development Path
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

19. Primer Goals
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

20. Primer Goals
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

21. Topcoat Goals
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

22. Topcoat Goals
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

23. FNC Execution Product scale up and maturation
Broad Agency Announcement partner(s)
Support from NRL & NAWCAD
Product verification & validation
DoD labs and engineering authorities
Focus on quart & gallon quantities to feed field tests
Field Testing
Selected aircraft & support equipment based on validated products
Builds on low-risk field testing to date
Requirements development
Will feed material specifications for new primer and topcoat
Anticipated to be modified MIL-PRF & MIL-PRF-85285
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

24. Takeway
Advanced primers and topcoats are a strong need for naval aviation
Products in development will improve corrosion, ESOH, application and coating properties
Commercial versions of these new products are currently available but need to be matured for authorization and implementation
Improved products are anticipated to start being used in the next 2-5 years
NAVAIR Public Release , Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release.

25. Questions? Julia Russell Industrial Processes S&T Lead 301-342-8112
Craig Matzdorf
NAVAIR Senior Materials Engineer
Bill Nickerson
ONR Code 35 PM
(703)