Coating operations can involve hazardous materials and are generally performed in controlled environments. For many military platforms, the coating is a system involving several steps and several chemical treatments. Many coating processes rely on hexavalent chromium compounds as corrosion inhibitors, and there are other issues including hazardous solvents and isocyanates used in the production and formulation of paint systems and specialty coatings designed for military application. SERDP and ESTCP develop and demonstrate sustainable coating systems that improve safety, efficiency, and performance.
Reduction or elimination of hazardous solvents from the application of coatings systems or from the removal of coating systems is a DoD priority. Minimization or elimination of hazardous solvents used during the synthesis and formulation of energetic materials is also a goal of sustainable energetics efforts.
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6, Cr6+) and Cadmium are very effective corrosion inhibitors but are also highly toxic. Learn More...
