A SERDP and ESTCP webinar focuses on DoD-funded research efforts to develop protective and environmentally friendly aircraft coatings for DoD ships and aircrafts.
The May 16 webinar features speakers Erick Iezzi, Ph.D. from the Naval Research Laboratory, and Michael Brindza, Ph.D., from the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
Specifically, investigators will discuss the use of organosilane polymers in topcoats and the development of aluminum-rich primers.
Register for the webinar at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_ls14iCxVRz6-lsa31zhEhQ
Abstracts
“Isocyanate-Free Organosilane Polymers for Specialty Aircraft Coatings” by Dr. Erick Iezzi (WP20-1107)
Dr. Erick IezziThe U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has recently developed a series of isocyanate-free organosilane polymeric binders that were used in organosilicon topcoats for Department of Defense (DoD) applications. Polymers were synthesized and then reacted with atmospheric moisture to form cross-linked organosilicon networks that possessed rigid sol-gel linkages and flexible aliphatic segments. Network thermal, mechanical, and performance properties were tuned by altering the length of the polymer backbone and the number of terminal alkoxysilane groups, which enabled the formation of topcoats with properties relevant for use on Navy ships and aircraft. These binders were then formulated into single-component (i.e., all-in-one-can) pigmented topcoats with various surface finishes, and all topcoats were free of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In addition, the topcoats met volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements without using parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF), which is a carcinogenic solvent that is currently VOC-exempt. Upon laboratory testing to military specification requirements, these topcoats demonstrated exceptional flexibility and hydrocarbon resistance, including greater resistance to photooxidative degradation from artificial sunlight and water when compared to legacy DoD topcoats (e.g., silicone alkyds, polyurethanes). Several of these topcoats have since been commercialized, demonstrated on active Navy assets, and qualified for use. This presentation will discuss the organosilane polymers and their application in high-performance, environmentally friendly organosilicon topcoats for use on DoD ships and aircraft.
“Demonstration/Validation of Aluminum-Rich Primer on DoD Aviation Platforms” by Dr. Michael Brindza (WP21-5126)
Dr. Michael BrindzaThis project demonstrates an emerging primer technology on DoD aircraft and validates that the laboratory performance in accelerated test methods correlates to better airframe corrosion prevention. The DoD does not currently field a primer that provides adequate corrosion protection against the majority of corrosion damage seen on aircraft. By necessity, aircraft use dissimilar metals for the airframe structure, skins, high strength components, and the fasteners that hold each together. The highest performing primer technology in use today relies on hexavalent chromium as the main inhibitor. Attempts to make a higher performing alternative based on more environmentally friendly technology have failed to transition in the areas most critical to the safety of the aircraft, such as internal structural parts and components. Our goal is to demonstrate aluminum-rich primers that have a minimum of 25% greater protection against galvanic corrosion, as evidenced in the galvanic test method being developed under the ONR Advanced Topcoat Systems program. This presentation will highlight the history of primer development and demonstration status to date.
Speaker Biographies
Dr. Erick Iezzi is a Senior Research Chemist and Group Leader at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. He is the principal investigator of basic and applied research programs that focus on synthesizing novel organosilicon molecules, developing environmentally friendly and smart polymeric networks with DoD-relevant thermal, mechanical, and performance properties, and determining the mechanisms of network degradation due to sunlight and chemical stimuli. Dr. Iezzi has authored over 50 patents and peer-reviewed papers. Several of his coating technologies have been commercialized for defense and non-government applications. He has served as a reviewer for the American Chemical Society journal Applied Materials and Interfaces and for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals from the National Science Foundation, and was recently a technical committee member for the United Soybean Board. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and American Coatings Association. Dr. Iezzi received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Duquesne University and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Virginia Tech.
Dr. Michael Brindza is the science and technology lead for the Materials Protection Technology Branch at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). He has served as the subject matter expert for paints and coatings since 2014, advising many NAVAIR program offices on the selection, use, and performance of coatings and materials for corrosion control. Dr. Brindza has been the principal investigator of projects funded by ESTCP, the Naval Innovative Science and Engineering (NISE) Program, Office of Naval Research, and various other DoD sponsors on research, development, and demonstration of alternative corrosion inhibitors and polymer chemistries for coatings. He has three patents for novel corrosion inhibitors and 15 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has given more than 30 technical presentations and posters. Prior to joining NAWCAD, he developed polymers for lightweight optical applications at the Naval Research Laboratory, earning the Jerome and Isabella Karle Distinguished Scholar Fellowship. Dr. Brindza earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The George Washington University and a doctoral degree in physical chemistry from the University of Maryland.
The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) are the Department of Defense's environmental, resilience, and installation energy and water research programs, harnessing the latest science and technology to improve DoD’s environmental performance, reduce costs, and enhance and sustain mission capabilities. The Programs respond to environmental, resilience, and installation energy and water technology requirements that are common to all of the Military Services, complementing the Services’ research programs. SERDP and ESTCP promote partnerships and collaboration among academia, industry, the Military Services, and other Federal Agencies. They are independent programs managed from a joint office to coordinate the full spectrum of efforts, from basic and applied research to field demonstration and validatio
