PPG Aerospace, Altairnano Developing Chromate-Free Aircraft Primer

Sylmar, CA - PPG Industries' aerospace business and Altair Nanotechnologies announced recently agreements for the development and commercialization of environmentally friendly nanoparticle technology to replace chromate in aircraft primer that affords excellent corrosion resistance in high-solids and waterborne formulas. Terms were not disclosed.

PPG and Altairnano will develop nanometal oxide dispersion technology under a three-year research agreement, with an added five-year contract for commercialization and supply that begins in 2008.

The development combines Altairnano's proprietary nanometal oxide dispersion technology and PPG's proprietary resin to create a primer that will replace today's chromate-based coatings, according to Paul Bowman, PPG Aerospace global business platform manager for coatings.

Under the agreements, Altairnano will make the nanometal oxide chemical dispersion using PPG's proprietary resin technology to meet the final paint requirements.

"The technology will be developed for primer in both interior structural and exterior fuselage applications, giving customers a safe, sound solution to eliminate chromate from the production stream," Bowman said. "It represents the first time we will be able to have a primer that works similarly to chromate-containing materials without the environmental issues involved in the use of chromates."

Bowman said the technology also looks promising for the creation of other corrosion-resistant coatings, and the companies expect to commercialize the chromate-free primer later this year.

Altair Nanotechnologies Chief Executive Officer Alan Gotcher, Ph.D., said, "We are enthusiastic to be working with the world's largest aerospace coatings company to develop, commercialize and manufacture this green technology."

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world's largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies.

SOURCE: Altair Nanotechnologies and PPG