S. J. Hudak, J. J. Cuomo, A. J. McWilliams, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; P. J. Yancey, J. Waldrep, AP Solutions, Inc., Cary, NC; R. Kestler, NAVAIR, Cherry Point, NC; J. Kingsley, AFRL/RXSA, Dayton, OH
Atmospheric plasma is being investigated as an alternative technology to remove protective coating and sealant materials from aerospace structures. In collaboration with NAVAIR’s FRC-East Fleet Readiness Center at Cherry Point NC and the Air Force Research Laboratory Dayton, OH, researchers at NC State University and AP Solutions, Inc. have demonstrated the ability of AP Solutions’ Plasma Flux cold atmospheric plasma system to remove a variety of materials from different substrates. Atmospheric plasma is created using standard electrical outlet power combined with compressed air which is available in any shop. Electrical outlet power is converted to a higher frequency and is used to electrically excite the compressed air into a chemically active plasma state. The plasma is directed through a suitable nozzle to create a plume which is then moved across the substrate using manual or automated means. Ionized gas and chemically active species in the plasma react with component materials converting them into low molecular weight gasses and compounds which are collected and filtered for disposal. Rates of removal can be adjusted depending on application requirements and are competitive with conventional coating and sealant removal techniques. The condition of the surface remaining is dependent on the exposure conditions and material composition. With proper application of the plasma the substrate may be suitable for direct recoating.
Summary: In collaboration with ISSC NAVAIR Cherry Point and AFRL/RXSA Dayton research and development at NC State University/MSE and AP Solutions, Inc. have demonstrated the ability of cold atmospheric plasma to remove a variety of aviation coating materials such as paint and sealants from different substrates. Energetic species in the plasma react with the coating resulting in degradation to low molecular weight gases and inorganic materials which are collected by conventional means. Examples will be presented of common MIL spec coating and sealants which were treated for removal from various substrates..
