N093-180 TITLE: Corrosion Resistant Non-Toxic Coatings for High-Strength Arresting Gear Tailhook Components

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Strike Fighter, ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate non-toxic coatings for the protection of high-strength alloy steels employed in arresting gear tailhook components.

DESCRIPTION: Cadmium is the employed legacy coating for the protection of arresting gear tailhook components in the aggressive service environments, and in general, is applied to protect surfaces not intended for direct contact to arresting cable (cross deck pendent). Heavy metals such as cadmium have been shown to exhibit health risks, which have resulted in the reduction in permissible exposure limits (PEL). To address the challenges associated with coating corrosion prevention and coating performance, a non-toxic coating for the protection of high-strength alloy steel is needed. The objective of this effort will be to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a non-toxic corrosion preventative coating for high-strength alloy steel.

PHASE I: Design, develop and prove feasibility of a corrosion resistant, non-toxic coating for tailhook components. Demonstrate feasibility through the fabrication and testing of a limited number of specimens.

PHASE II: Continuing efforts from Phase I, refine coating design and development. Perform prototype demonstration of corrosion preventative coating on representative components. Demonstration should consider appropriate substrate material, geometry, performance requirements, and environmental exposure of arresting gear.

PHASE III: Transition coating technology for military and commercial applications.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Though this effort is focused towards the unique performance needs of the corrosion prevention of arresting gear tailhook components, such advancements in corrosion prevention may be employed in the protection of other military and commercial aircraft (as well as ground based) steel assets.

REFERENCES:
1. J. H. Ouyang and S. Sasaki. "Effects of Different Additives on Microstructure and High-Temperature Tribological Properties of Plasma-Sprayed Cr2O3 Ceramic Coatings." Wear, volume 249, Number 1, April 2001, pp. 56-66.

2. Singh, H., Puri, H., and Prakash, S. "Some studies on hot corrosion performance of plasma sprayed coatings on a Fe-based superalloy." Surface and Coatings Technology, volume 192 (2005), pp. 27-38.

KEYWORDS: Cadmium; Corrosion Preventative Coatings; Arresting Gear; High Strength Alloys; Tailhooks; Non-Toxic Coatings

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