Nanocoatings: A Future Material for Aerospace and Electronics Industry

Nanostructured coatings propose a great prospective for various applications due to their greater abilities that are not characteristically found in conventional coatings. Due to their impeccable properties intrinsic at the nanoscale, nanocoatings are typically multifunctional, unveiling one or combinations of the unimpeachable properties which include, anti-static, scratch and abrasion resistance, easy-to-clean, anti-microbial activity and antireflective activity.

 

Nanocoatings are at present being functional in the aerospace industry for refining the life span, dependability and sturdiness of components, while also helping in erosion and wear resistance along with improving surface quality; de-icing; and corrosion resistance against pitting, peeling, oxidation and heat. Coatings are currently being commercialized to identify corrosion and mechanical damage to aircraft skin; react to chemical and physical damage, improve adhesion, and increase the life span of metal parts. Lightweight, high-strength, heat stable nanomaterials are also under development for aircraft engines.

Bulk carbon nanotubes (CNT) powders have been incorporated in diverse commercial products ranging from rechargeable batteries, automotive parts, and sporting goods to boat hulls and water filters. Carbon nanotubes have applications today in armor, wire and cabling, energy storage and composite structures. Developments in CNT combination, refinement, and chemical alteration are allowing incorporation of CNTs in thin-film electronics and large-area coatings.

Conductive and anti-static coatings are used throughout the aircraft industry for applications ranging from electrostatic discharge (ESD) to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding. Tesla NanoCoatings Ltd. produces a range of corrosion-resistant steel coatings, Teslan, incorporating CNTs. The product is a two-coat system consisting of a primer and topcoat developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL).