Advanced polymer process to protect aircraft finishes

Citation

(2008), "Advanced polymer process to protect aircraft finishes", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780aad.031

Advanced polymer process to protect aircraft finishes

Advanced polymer process to protect aircraft finishes

Atlanta-based CareJet Services is debuting an advanced appearance- enhancing polymer paint protection system developed by Dow Corning and ProguardPlus. The system, applied to new or older aircraft paint, does not use friction or heat in application, is said to provide high luster, ease of washing, enhanced UV and contaminate protection, and is fully warranted for 12 months. Optional warranty extensions are available up to 48 months with annual servicing.

Co-founder and CareJet Services, Inc. President, Matt Weisman, states: “This treatment system is not a cosmetic,” says Weisman. “It is a paint-saver and an appearance enhancer, and is environmentally beneficial. It is a new technology dear polymer created specifically for the harsh environment in which jet aircraft fly.”

Iterative testing over three years resulted in the Dow-Corning IE2000 proprietary polymer and an exclusive application system from ProguardPlus for ocean-going luxury yachts. CareJet has transitioned the product and application system to aviation. Over the life of the paint CareJet eliminates regular, time-consuming and harmful detergents, waxes, and abrasives.

The properties of the Dow Corning polymer fill in the naturally-occurring microscopic peaks and valleys of the paint surface, leaving a perfectly “flat” surface, which provides high reflectivity and resists UV rays and the embedding of participate matter.

“Smooth as paint may feel to the touch, typical detergents, compounds, wash brushes, and contaminated wash cloths rub abrasive granular participates into the painted surfaces resulting in micro-scratches, thereby dulling paint and leaving it vulnerable to UV and airborne contaminates” Weisman stated.

Aircraft paint endures extreme environmental conditions, including temperature swings of 1008C, rain, sleet hail and sand. Pressurization of the fuselage expands and contracts the surface, while the UV rays at high- altitudes break down typical waxes and paint pigment.

Dow Corning scientists developed its IE2000 polymer specifically to address these and other environmental situations. In doing so, it created a system that is reported to significantly extend the brilliance of the paint.

Typical first-time costs range from approximately $10,000 for a light jet, to $20,000 plus for a large jet. Annual re- service costs are substantially less and are more than offset by savings on cleaning and extended periods between painting.

“Maintenance of the CareJet coating system requires nothing more than an occasional wash, dean application cloths, a pail of water, a CareJet shampoo, and a hose – no scrubbing or buffing and no damage to the paint,” says Weisman. “An annual service is all it takes for the life of the paint, so it is the perfect replacement for all previous coating methods.”

Teams of CareJet employees can provide the service at the client's hangar or at the client's preferred maintenance facility. On older paint that still maintains a good surface and coloration, a CareJet pre-application process prepares the surface, after which the CareJet system is applied.

CareJet is marketing its system directly to operators, and through airframe manufacturer's service and completion facilities and through independent FBOs, and completion centers. It provides service at Le Bourget airport in Paris, France, and will have its first US operations at Wilmington, DE and Atlanta, GA.

Details available from: CareJet, Tel: +1 415 377 9123.