Advanced CARC Coatings for Cleanability and Condensing for Maintenance and Sustainment

Advanced CARC Coatings for Cleanability and Condensing for Maintenance and Sustainment

NCMS Project #: 140842

Problem: As military assets are transported to and from overseas operations, coatings experience mold growth on the exterior and mildew growth on the interior. Historical efforts to reduce corrosion (including mold and mildew) focused on the top layer of the paint system; this project will develop an integrated system to reduce corrosion. CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings) coated surfaces resist the absorption of chemical agents, easing cleanability and decontamination for vehicles, aircraft, and support equipment (communication vans, water purification units, generators, forklifts), decreasing maintenance and sustainment costs, and improving readiness. Another specific function of certain coatings is to promote condensation.

Benefit: Easy clean surfaces that resist mold and mildew can be beneficial for building products such as wallboard, floorboards and decking. Enhancing condensing coatings can also improve the efficiency and economics of water collection units for public benefit in drought-prone or water deficient regions. Improvements to vehicle topcoat maintenance and sustainability will greatly reduce costs.

Solution/Approach: This project will develop coatings that enhance dropwise condensation to improve the efficiency of water from air operations. The objective is twofold:

  • Develop an environmentally-sound, easy-to-clean coating that better resists mold and mildew.
  • Identify condensing coatings capable of reducing heat transfer resistance by 10%.

Impact on Warfighter:

  • Improved readiness
  • Decreased sustainment costs

DoD Participation:

  • U.S. Army (TARDEC)

Industry Participation:

  • PPG Industries, Inc.
  • North Dakota State University
  • NCMS

Technology Focus Area(s):

  • Cost savings
  • Repair turnaround time
  • Maintenance avoidance & reliability
  • Environmental