Abstract: An apparatus includes a first steel component having a first surface, a second steel component having a second surface, a corrosion resistant coating on at least one of the first and second surfaces, and an adhesive bonding the first and second components together. The corrosion resistant coating can be electrically conductive.

Abstract: UV resistant inorganic coatings which exhibit photochemical activity that destroys toxic biological and chemical agents are disclosed. The inorganic coatings include semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles that are photo-chemically active dispersed in an inorganic binder. In one embodiment, anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles are dispersed in a silicon dioxide or silicate binder. Applications may include spacecraft, aircraft, ships, military vehicles, high value equipment and buildings such as subway stations, hospitals, railroad stations and stadiums.

Abstract: UV resistant inorganic coatings which exhibit photochemical activity that destroys toxic biological and chemical agents are disclosed. The inorganic coatings include semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles that are photo-chemically active dispersed in an inorganic binder. In one embodiment, anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles are dispersed in a silicon dioxide or silicate binder. Applications may include spacecraft, aircraft, ships, military vehicles, high value equipment and buildings such as subway stations, hospitals, railroad stations and stadiums.

Abstract: An improved system for infrared (IR) imaging of terrain is disclosed wherein or or more IR cameras may be used at one or more locations to record images at multiple focal planes. The images are all taken of the same field of view but at varied focal planes. Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) may be used to track each camera location and each camera captures images of the object. Information regarding the orientation of the camera may also be measured. The digital information from the images from each camera at varying focal planes, the distance from the object to each camera, orientation of camera and the GPS location of each camera is transferred to a computer where the data is processed through the use of merging and photogrammetry software utilizing appropriate algorithms to convert the multiple images into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image with improved depth of field.

Abstract: An improved system for visual inspection of substrates coated with paints and polymers is disclosed. Painted substrates can be inspected for environmental and physical damage such as corrosion and cracks without removing the paint. The present invention provides the ability to maximize paint thickness penetration. This is accomplished with a spectral bandpass filter that rejects reflected light from the coating opaque bands, while allowing light in the paint window to pass to an IR detector such as an IR camera focal plane. The narrow bandpass range enhances the ability for IR imaging to see through thicker paint layers and improves the contrast over standard commercial IR mid-wave cameras. The bandpass may be adjusted to coincide with the full spectral window of the paint, consistent with the ability of the imaging focal plane to detect light in the spectral region.

Abstract: A system for visual inspection of coated substrates is disclosed. Painted substrates can be inspected for environmental and physical damage such as corrosion and cracks without removing the paint through the use of infrared imaging. The present invention provides the ability to view abnormalities or defects in the substrate at an increased depth of field. This is accomplished by taking multiple images of the substrate at different focal planes then using computer software to merge the images. The merged image is in focus across the different focal planes and may also be viewed in three-dimensions.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which utilizes the substantially steady-state temperature of a coated object, in conjunction with an optical detection system, to selectively view defects and features of the object below the coating without the necessity of transient heating or IR illumination and reflectance imaging. The optical detector, such as an IR camera, may be tailored for the wavelengths at which the coating material is substantially transparent, thereby maximizing the viewing clarity of the defects and features under the coating, and distinguishing them from any spurious features on the top surface of the coating. The present system enables the inspection of small or large areas in real time, without requiring complex image acquisition, storage and image processing equipment and software.

Abstract: Silane type polyfunctional coupling agents and adhesion promoters are added to major amounts by volume of environmentally-safe organic wipe solvents generally having a low vapor pressure to form novel wipe solvent compositions for cleaning and priming the surface of a substrate such as that of metal, composite, glass, plastic or other material prior to the application of coatings of paint, adhesive and/or similar layers and/or prior to the lamination of such substrates to each other or to support structures such as honeycomb bodies, while simultaneously depositing and bonding the coupling agent and adhesion promoter to the cleaned surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A self-cleaning self-decontaminating coating capable of producing hydroxyl radicals, in the presence of UV radiation and moisture, in sufficient amounts to destroy organic contaiminants no the coating surface.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a corrosion-resistant article includes a metal substrate and a multi-layer resistant coating disposed over the metal substrate. The coating is operable to resist corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement of the metal substrate. The coating includes a first layer comprising a material galvanically similar to the metal substrate. The coating also includes a second layer disposed over the first layer. The second layer comprises a metal anodic to the metal substrate. The corrosion resistant article may also include a corrosion resistant interface layer at the boundary of the first and second layers. The interface layer may be formed by diffusing a portion of the second layer into the first layer.

Abstract: A non-chrome process for the pretreatment of substrate surfaces to simultaneously clean them and improve their bonding strength for organic coatings such as adhesives, protective primers, sealants, paints, composites and similar materials conventionally bonded to such substrates, including non-chromated or chromated curable organic resin protective coatings applied directly to bare aluminum substrates. The invention involves the use of novel wipe solvent compositions containing a major volume of an environmentally-safe volatile organic solvent which has a low composite vapor pressure or is otherwise exempt from federal, state or local regulations, and a minor volume of a polyfunctional coupling agent, preferably of the silane type.

Abstract: A non-chrome process for the pretreatment of substrate surfaces to simultaneously clean them and improve their bonding strength for organic coatings such as adhesives, protective primers, sealants, paints, composites and similar materials conventionally bonded to such substrates, including non-chromated or chromated curable organic resin protective coatings applied directly to bare aluminum substrates. The invention involves the use of novel wipe solvent compositions containing a major volume of an environmentally-safe volatile organic solvent which has a low composite vapor pressure or is otherwise exempt from federal, state or local regulations, and a minor volume of a polyfunctional coupling agent, preferably of the silane type.

Abstract: Method for applying an aqueous benzyl alcohol paint strippling composition to the surface of a high strength steel substrate or of an assembly containing high strength steel components, such as steel fasteners on the surface of aircraft assemblies, while minimizing the effect of hydrogen-induced embrittlement, hydrogen-induced cracking and corrosion normally caused by aqueous benzyl alcohol. The invention comprises applying a liquid silane to the surface of the steel substrate or components immediately before and/or as an ingredient of a novel aqueous benzyl alcohol composition of the present invention which contains from about 1% to 10% by volume of the liquid silane.