Mechanisms of Military Coatings Degradation
Abstract
When the Mechanisms of Military Coatings Degradation program was initiated four years ago, corrosion cost for the Department of Defense was estimated to be $10B/year. Therefore, logic followed that if a better understanding of coating degradation mechanism could be obtained then significant cost savings may be realized through enhanced coating systems and/or processes. A review of current and relevant repainting practices indicated that military coating systems are repainted for the following reasons: loss of appearance (aesthetics, camouflage, cleanliness); chipping, peeling, debonding of the coating; and corrosion of the substrate. Such paint/depaint/repaint (PDR) operations are a significant source of DoD pollution. Frequency of the PDR increases pollution through increased consumption as well as through the economic and logistic burden associated with the maintenance waste stream. A 30% decrease in frequency of paint/depaint/repaint operations would save the Army $25-$40M in topcoat materials and approximately $40M annually for Air Force painting operations. Military coating system degradation impacts: 1) Environment 2) Economics 3) Force Survivability and 4) Force Readiness. The importance of maintaining force readiness and survivability can clearly be seen through the Army's 3-axis transformation strategy; i) Legacy Force, ii) Interim Force and iii) Objective Force. Today, 75% of the Army's major combat platforms exceed their service half-life. The Army Transformation requires maintaining essential legacy warfighting readiness to execute the national military strategy. Improved coating performance in corrosion protection, camouflage appearance retention and chemical agent protection as part of a "drop-in" technology is not only vital for the Legacy Force, but also for the Interim and Objective Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA438408
Entities
People
- Wendy E. Kosik
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory