New Orleans, LA, February 17, 2012 – Time is money. Current coatings used on aircraft require 72 hours to cure before the plane can be moved outside the hangar. Therefore, there is a desire in the industry to increase productivity and efficiency by decreasing the “dry-to-fly” time. Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists have determined that UV-curable polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) meet the flexibility, chemical-resistance and weatherability specifications that result in decreased curing time and increased productivity.
The scientists formulated and tested UV-curable PUDs as possible alternatives to currently used aerospace topcoats. Aerospace coatings must be able to resist a wide variety of chemicals (jet fuel, motor oil and hydraulic fluid) while maintaining flexibility to prevent cracking over a wide temperature range. In addition to chemical resistance, coatings that meet industry needs also require a balance of flexibility, weatherability and water resistance.