WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- An environmentally safe corrosion control coating for aluminum aircraft surfaces and structures developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Rolla, Boeing Phantom Works, Deft Coatings and Warner-Robins Air Force Base Air Logistics Center, has been named one of the 100 most technologically significant products in 2006 by R&D Magazine.

"The coating, which protects aircraft painters and the environment from exposure to hazardous materials, was developed through years of research," explained Mr. Steve Szaruga, the principal materials engineer.

According to Mr. Szaruga, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research sponsored a research grant in 1992 at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) to explore the viability of rare earth compounds to inhibit the corrosion of aluminum alloys. After several years of promising exploration, AFRL initiated a research and development program with UMR in 1999. This program developed a unique chrome-free inhibitor technology that was further developed into paint formulations and a primer coating. During the simulated corrosion assessments at Boeing Phantom Works, the coating was found to work just as effectively as the chromate-based coatings that were currently being used. The chromate-based coating is harmful to both the environment and to personnel because it produces hazardous wastes and is a proven carcinogen (cancer causing element.)

After the assessments, UMR partnered with Deft Coatings, of Irvine, CA, and subsequently licensed their technology for production. The F-15 Systems Group, at Warner-Robins AFB, GA, became interested in using the non-chromate primer to reduce hazardous wastes and personnel exposure.

"A Boeing production model F-15C was painted with the environmentally compliant primer manufactured by Deft for a trial. As a result, the F-15 Systems Group has subsequently approved the use of this coating, marking the first fleet of Air Force aircraft using a non-chromate primer coating," Mr. Szaruga said.

The winners of the awards were selected over a three-month selection period. The winners will be recognized in an article published in the September 2007 issue of R&D Magazine. The actual awards will be presented on October 18, 2007, in the Grand Ballroom at Chicago's Navy Pier. Prior winners include the Kodak photo CD, the Nicoderm antismoking patch and high definition television.

In 1963, R&D Magazine began giving awards for the 100 most technologically significant new products and processes of the year. Entrees are judged by 50 experts who are chosen from professional consultants, university faculty and industrial research experts. The award focuses on products or processes that change people's lives for the better, improve the standard of living for large numbers of people, save lives, promote good health and clean up the environment.