New Coatings Technology Integration Office

New Coatings Technology Integration Office

Keywords Aerospace,Aircraft, Coatings

The application and removal of coating systems for aircraft and associated equipment generates approximately 75 percent of the US Air Force's hazardous waste. To address its need to use more environmentally friendly coatings, the Air Force has established the new Coatings Technology Integration Office (CTIO). Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, the CTIO will operate as a government-owned, contractor-assisted entity within the Wright Laboratory Materials Directorate. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been contracted to provide scientists, engineers, and technical staff to operate the CTIO.

The CTIO is providing the Air Force with a central source of expertise and technology to evaluate new materials and processes using the best current testing techniques and is assisting in the integration of tested coating systems at air logistic centres and field units. Recent projects include testing a new blasting material that strips paint and acrylic media with reduced structural damage, providing on-site air sampling and analysis using the SwRI mobile analytical chemistry laboratory at a field station, and evaluating wipe solvents in refinishing processes to ensure environmental regulations are being met. In another project, the researchers are studying surface preparation and cleanliness issues as they affect the adhesion and performance of waterborne primer systems.

For further information contact Elizabeth Douglas, SwRI, 6220 Cluebra Road, PO Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, USA. Phone: +1 210 522 2289.