PPG
Industries’ aerospace business and Altair
Nanotechnologies announced today agreements for the
development and commercialization of environmentally friendly
nanoparticle technology to replace chromate in aircraft primer that
affords superior 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 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.