In a development that could impact the aerospace industry, the University of Oklahoma (OU) has received a substantial grant of $4.8 million to lead the creation of a non-toxic primer for military aerospace applications. This primer is designed to be free of chromium, a substance associated with health and environmental concerns.
The funding, coming from the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base, is part of a dedicated effort to improve the durability of military equipment while also protecting workers from hazardous substances. By eliminating the need to handle chrome-laden materials, the project demonstrates an increasing awareness of the importance of safeguarding both human health and the environment.
According to OU's announcement, the Gallogly College of Engineering, along with the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute, will lead the charge in evaluating alternative primers. These primers are being designed to match, if not surpass, the performance of their toxic predecessors.
"This project greatly expands our ongoing research efforts to develop novel, chromium-free organic coatings. These primers will provide excellent corrosion protection and adhesion to pretreated aluminum alloys while offering exceptional fluid resistance and outstanding flexibility," John Klier, project principal investigator and dean of the Gallogly College of Engineering, told OU News. The partnership aims to swiftly move forward on finding a solution that stands to benefit not just the military but potentially the aerospace industry at large.
Furthermore, the OC-ALC commander, Brig. Gen. Brian R. Moore, relayed the significance of their collaboration with OU, commenting on the strategic imperative of such innovative endeavors. "Our ability to collaborate with the University of Oklahoma researchers is vital to the Air Force’s ability to meet future mission challenges," Moore stated in the OU announcement.
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