Corrosion Inhibiting Surface Treatment for Uncoated Marine-Grade Aluminum Alloys Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-136 Topic Title: Corrosion Inhibiting Surface Treatment for Uncoated Marine-Grade Aluminum Alloys Proposal No.: N112-136-0689 Firm: TDA Research, Inc. 12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033-1916 Contact: Jeannine Elliott Phone: (303) 261-1142 Web Site: http://www.tda.com Abstract: Marine-grade aluminum alloys (5XXX-series) are increasingly being used in naval combatants because they have high strength and high corrosion resistance. In order to decrease weight these corrosion resistant marine-grade aluminum alloys are not painted with the conventional primer and low solar absorbance topcoat. The metal is simply blasted to keep it from being too shiny. However, without any coatings the unpainted aluminum metal is vulnerable to aging (including corrosion), it absorbs more heat (increasing ship air-conditioning costs), and it requires more maintenance to clean-up the ship's appearance. Some protection of the marine-grade aluminum metal surface is still needed. Recently, TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has identified organic inhibitors that have excellent activity on marine-grade Al5XXX, including arresting stress corrosion cracking. In this SBIR project TDA will develop a low VOC surface treatment containing these active corrosion inhibitors. This innovative, environmentally friendly surface treatment will provide corrosion protection, reduce thermal absorbance and leave a uniform haze gray color. Benefits: Corrosion is a costly drain on the U.S. economy and military preparedness. Corrosion is estimated to cost the U.S. over $275 billion annually (of which more than $20 billion is borne by the Department of Defense). New more effective corrosion resistance coatings offer commercial benefits and applications across all sectors of the U.S. Economy. In addition to the Navy's uses, this new surface treatment for 5000 series aluminum alloys could be used for corrosion protection in a wide range of applications including building products, chemical processing, and the commercial boating industry. Additionally, this thin surface treatment coating could be tailored for other metals, including steel and aerospace aluminum. Return