Coatings Development and Process Implementation

SwRI has determined how coating removal processes affect the material behavior and surface characteristics of the substrate. Shown are graphite/epoxy and fiber glass composite panels with layers of paint removed by dry media and water blasting.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) solves performance problems associated with the development and use of paints and coatings for aircraft, electronic, industrial, and consumer products. SwRI provides reformulation of paints and coatings, assessment of their physical and mechanical performance, and development of innovative processes and facilities for coatings application and removal.

Areas of expertise include:

• Analysis, Testing, Evaluation, and Failure Investigation
  
• Coatings Development and Formulation
  
• Process Development and Implementation
  
• Engineering Studies

SwRI has encapsulated curatives, initiators, corrosion inhibitors, and biocides for paint formulations. Institute scientists perform solvent substitution and organic synthesis for product improvements. SwRI has also developed electroactive films whose color is changed by voltage and chemical agent resistant coatings with controlled peeling.

SwRI prepares test panels for laboratory testing of field conditions. Analytical equipment includes DMA, FTIR, NMR, EIS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, atomic force microscopy, DSC and TGA. Testing equipment includes environmental chambers (thermal, UV, humidity, salt fog, sand, and dust conditions), Taber abrader, calorimeter, smoke density, respirometer, and mechanical property test equipment.

SwRI has extensive experience in the following areas of paints and coatings development and process implementation:

• Process Development
  
  • Surface treatments
    
  • Process simulation and optimization
    
  • Facility layout, design, and implementation
    
  • Robotic paint/coating removal technology
    
  • End effector design
    
    
• Product Development
  
  • Paint formulation
    
  • Solvent substitution Instrumentation development
    
    
• Testing and Analysis
  
  • Adhesion testing
    
  • Chemical analysis
    
  • Hazardous waste analysis and reduction
    
  • Composite and metallic material property testing
    
  • Scanning electron, Auger, and atomic force microscopy
    
  • Environmental exposure, including salt fog
    
  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
    
  • Raman spectroscopy
    
    
• Technical Specialties
  
  • Polymer chemistry
    
  • Microencapsulation
    
  • Corrosion control and assessment
    
  • Material failure analysis
    
  • Nondestructive evaluation and inspection

SwRI does not represent or market any product line. Clients own the test data, design documentation, and patent rights for any products or processes developed exclusively for their programs.

SwRI has modeled the impact of dry media blasting particles on a painted substrate, leading to an improved understanding of how surface roughness and residual stresses affect material behavior.

SwRI developed robotic workcells for stripping full aircraft at Hill AFB and Warner Robins AFB. Custom end effectors and a special paint sensor were developed to provide closed-loop control. Floor recovery of spent media allows near-continuous operation and minimizes waste.

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