Imaging Tools and Thin Film Coatings for Corrosion Prevention in Aluminum Alloys

摘要

The fundamental activities involved use of various imaging techniques to study corrosion processes that occur at metal surfaces. We applied these methods to understand both the anodic and cathodic processes involved in corrosion at Al alloy surfaces, and how those processes are influenced by environmental conditions. The applied activities were development and testing of new corrosion inhibition systems based on blends of thermoplastics and conducting polymers. These blends contain smart controlled release polymers capable of releasing inhibitors in response to local pH changes. These unique materials combine the attractive mechanical properties of thermoplastics with the known corrosion inhibition properties of conducting polymers. Finally, we were involved in transfer of a novel chemical etching technology for Al alloy surface pretreatment to Luna Innovations, Inc. to produce new environmentally compliant coating systems for the protection of aging Air Force aircraft. Luna's technology is now being tested at AFRL laboratories.