JG-PP Low-VOC Topcoats and Primers (Raytheon TI Systems [RTIS]) Joint Test Report (JTR)

Low-VOC Topcoats and Primers
(Raytheon TI Systems, Inc.)
Completed in 1998

Joint Test Report

The First JTR:

The objective of the RTIS JG-PP project was to identify and validate acceptable alternatives to MIL SPEC organic coatings containing the VOCs MEK, toluene, and xylene. RTIS had been applying high-VOC primers and topcoats using conventional wet-spray coating processes. This JTR documents the technical basis for implementing several low-VOC MIL SPEC coating materials on Raytheon systems. Additionally, it makes available data and conclusions for future pollution prevention efforts by OEMs, the sustainment community (e.g., depots and bases) and other users to minimize duplication of effort.

A joint technical team comprised of representatives from RTIS, DCMA, affected program managers, DoD specification custodians, and others analyzed technical and engineering data already available for a number of low-VOC topcoats and primers. As a result of this data review, three commercially available paint systems were identified that met the system critical performance requirements defined by the team:

MIL-P-85582, a waterborne primer, may be used as a substitute for MIL-P-23377 in current priming applications, though not wet installation of fasteners or faying surfaces.
MIL-C-85285, a high-solids topcoat, may be used as a substitute for MIL-C-83286 and MIL-C-22750 in current airborne topcoat applications.
MIL-C-46168 Type IV, ground support topcoat and CARC, may be used as a substitute for the Type II topcoat in the current application.

To view the first JTR for Alternatives to High VOCs Primers and Topcoats containing: MEK, Toluene, and Xylene, dated June 20, 1996, revised October 24, 1997, please click here.

The Second JTR:

The objective of the RTIS JG-PP project was to identify and validate acceptable alternatives to MIL SPEC organic coatings containing the VOCs methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and xylene. RTIS had been applying high-VOC primers and topcoats using conventional wet-spray coating processes. This JTR documents the testing results of powder coating (MetalMate) and 100% solids. Additionally, it makes available data and conclusions for future pollution prevention efforts by OEMs, the sustainment community (e.g., depots and bases) and other users to minimize duplication of effort.

After completion of the first several JTP tests, it was evident that the 100% solids product would not meet the performance requirements, and further testing on that product ceased. Testing of the MetalMate product continued to completion. The final test results proved MetalMate to be an acceptable alternative to high-VOC coatings in many applications. MetalMate is resistant to Chemical Agent HD. It can provide a surface that is resistant to fuel, decontaminant (DS2), oil, lubricants, scratching and marring in many of the environments typically encountered by defense systems. MetalMate eliminates the need for MIL-P-23377F and MIL-P-85582 primers in certain applications because it can be used without a primer. Test results also indicate that MetalMate can replace MIL-C-22750 in most baseline applications. MetalMate can also replace MIL-C-46168 Type II, MIL-C-46168 Type IV, MIL-C-85285, and MIL-C-83286 in applications where chalking from UV radiation exposure and the need for a very low gloss surface finish are not concerns.

To view the second JTR for Alternatives to High VOCs Primers and Topcoats containing: MEK, Toluene, and Xylene, dated May 13, 1998, please click here.