Epoxy-Zirconate Sol-Gel Studies
EMSL Project ID
3021
Abstract
Epoxy-zirconate sol-gel based surface treatments are being investigated as a potential replacement for the current chromate-based approach for aerospace aluminum alloys. These sol-gel surface treatments are water-based and are designed to provide a functionally gradient coating, which has high barrier properties to limit corrosion. These Ep-Zr coatings are made in the classical sol-gel processes of hydrolysis, condensation, and polymerization. Results (salt spray tests and boiling water test) show that epoxy-zirconate, used in a system with a chromated primer, does provide some level of corrosion protection. Another coating under investigation is the pre-formed, Self-assembled NAno-phase Particle (SNAP) process. In this process, nanoscale (1-2 nm diameter) siloxane particles are formed in a high water content hydrolysis/condensation process and then crosslinked upon application to the substrate. SNAP used alone on alloys provides corrosion protection.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2002-10-28
End Date
2003-10-22
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator