Nonchromate
Primers for
Military Applications
Project Number: 06-OC-030
Chromate
primers are used on aircraft and weapon system exteriors to provide corrosion
resistance protection to aluminum and steel surfaces. These primers contain
hexavalent chromium, which is a significant human health concern. Effective
February 28, 2006, the OSHA
PEL
for exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) was reduced significantly from
100 ug/m3 to 5 ug/m3 (with the exception for Aerospace applications, that
the PEL
of 25 ug/m3, with reduction to 5 ug/m3 achieved by PPE).
It is anticipated that many facilities will experience difficulties in
ensuring that worker exposure meets these more stringent limits while
continuing maintenance practices in using chromate primers.
JG-PP
partnered with the NAVAIR
AERMIP
to demonstrate/validate promising non-chromate primers with improved corrosion
protection formulations to military specification (MIL-SPEC) requirements.
By use of a coordinated effort,
JG-PP
can assist in successful transition that will provide cost effective,
environmental technology solutions for the
DoD.
The
JG-PP/AERMIP
Nonchromate Primers project is intended to reduce worker exposure to hexavalent
chromium and the resulting control measures by identifying and validating
non-chromate primers for use on aircraft and ground vehicle surfaces that
meet performance requirements. The reduction and eventual elimination
of chromate primers from military systems will greatly reduce the environmental,
safety and health risks associated with coatings and will reduce the legal
liability of DoD
Industrial Commands. Some cost avoidance would be realized immediately
as a result of decreased monitoring, reduced PPE
requirements, and other chrome-related requirements. Additional cost avoidance
would be realized in later years, as hexavalent chrome is gradually eliminated
from fielded systems during maintenance processes.
Stakeholders for this JG-PP/AERMIP project include DoD coating experts, DoD aircraft and ground vehicle program managers, and laboratory "owners" of existing military specifications for aircraft coatings. The project participants will define the testing requirements in a JTP, down select the most promising non-chromate primer alternatives and perform needed qualification tests. Testing requirements are stringent. Test-to-failure for both solvent and water reducible chromated control products will be performed for a select set of pre-screening tests. Down select testing and eventual field testing of any primer is fully contingent upon management approval of stakeholders.
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Project Matrix
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This site last updated February 28, 2008.
Send all questions and comments to jgpp@ctc.com