Poly(2,5-bis(N-Methyl-N-Hexylamino)Phenylene Vinylene) (BAM-PPV) as Pretreatment Coating for Aerospace Applications: Laboratory and Field Studies

• Main Authors: Peter Zarras, Diane Buhrmaster, Cindy Webber, Nicole Anderson, John D. Stenger-Smith, Paul A. Goodman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-12-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: poly(2,5-bis(N-methyl-N-hexylamino)phenylene vinylene) (BAM-PPV); hexavalent chromium (CrVI); passivation; accelerated weathering tests; field studies
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/7/12/8088

In this study, an electroactive polymer (EAP), poly(2,5-bis(N-methyl-N-hexylamino)phenylene vinylene) (BAM-PPV) was investigated as a potential alternative surface pretreatment for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))-based aerospace coatings. BAM-PPV was tested as a pretreatment coating on an aerospace aluminum alloy (AA2024-T3) substrate in combination with a non-Cr(VI) epoxy primer and a polyurethane Advanced Performance Coating (APC) topcoat. This testing was undertaken to determine BAM-PPV’s adhesion, corrosion-inhibition, compatibility and survivability in laboratory testing and during outdoor field-testing. BAM-PPV showed excellent adhesion and acceptable corrosion performance in laboratory testing. The BAM-PPV aerospace coating system (BAM-PPV, non-Cr(VI) epoxy primer and polyurethane APC topcoat) was field tested for one year on the rear hatch door of the United States Air Force C-5 cargo plane. After one year of field testing there was no evidence of delamination or corrosion of the BAM-PPV aerospace coating system.