The objective of this project is to expose approximately 960 coupons to a harsh, outdoor marine environment at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Beach Corrosion Test Site (BCTS) while tracking the deterioration of the surface pretreatments and coatings. This study is to determine the effectiveness of protection of environmentally compliant replacement technology for chromate-inhibited coatings for aluminum materials on military aircraft.

Coupon Racks at the BCTS

The 960 coupons form a matrix of 4 materials having 9 pretreatments, each of which have 5 paint systems, all in sets of 3 or 5 coupons. Each coupon is scribed and will be evaluated in accordance with ASTM D 1654, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments. The coupons will remain at the BCTS for at least 1 year. Those coupons showing little or no degradation at the end of the 1-year period may be exposed for a longer period of time. Baseline data has been collected, and further evaluations will include periodic visual inspections and photo documentation at predetermined monthly increments.

Key accomplishments:

• Built racks to hold 960 nonstandard-sized coupons.
• Installed approximately 960 coupons at the BCTS.
• Completed initial photo documentation.
• Developed a portable camera stand for taking consistent coupon photographs in place at the BCTS.