Stripping Epoxies from Magnesium: The Problems Associated with the Removal of Epoxy Finishes from Magnesium Components, the Limitations of ‘Boosted’ Paint Removers and a Description of a New Product which is Currently Undergoing Field Testing

MAGNESIUM is a metal which is used almost exclusively in the aircraft industry where the disadvantages of its susceptibility to corrosive attack are outweighed by the advantages of its extreme lightness. It is essential to protect it against atmospheric corrosion and more particularly against the ravages of the salt laden atmosphere which is encountered when an aircraft is flying low over the sea, hence the wide use of epoxy finishes. In the highly polymerized condition, there is no doubt that they give excellent protection and the protective value is enhanced rather than diminished as the finishes age in service. Polymerization proceeds steadily, especially where heating occurs in the vicinity of the engines.