Novel Surface Preparation Process for Aluminum, Copper and Brass

Surface preparation and final coatings on Aerospace materials are critical for performance and long-term functionality.  Performance data for a novel environmentally-friendly surface preparation technique and application process will be presented.  Prior art has been complicated by use of hazardous materials and/or expensive time-intensive hand application methods.  Reducing the cost of application and waste treatment are critical for process sustainability and operator health.  The described surface treatment has been applied to aluminum, copper and brass materials.  The prepared services exhibited stable surface oxidation, surface appearance and stability of substrate composition.  A variety of surface coatings have been applied with satisfactory adhesion and corrosion properties.  The treatment solution is capable of multiple uses extending beyond 20 applications for brass and copper materials.  The process allows for reduced processing/material costs, minimized or eliminated environmental impact, and versatility in topcoat application.  These benefits, along with reduced or eliminated hands-on labor, lowers the cost associated with manufacturing of lightweight metallic materials.  In addition to the metal surface preparation process, a versatile coating will be described.  The coating is aqueous-based and produces a high temperature resistant surface.  The coating exhibits excellent wear resistance and an ablative semi-ceramic surface on final configuration.