Abstract: Coating applicators for applying high viscosity coatings to large area surfaces are disclosed. The coating applicators facilitate the ability to apply high viscosity materials over large areas at high speed with minimal air entrapment to provide coatings having a controlled thickness.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a scaling component comprising: a first recess and a second recess, the first recess and the second recess defining a center line; a first volume on a first side of the center line; a second volume on a second side of the center line; and a third volume between the first recess and the second recess such that the center line runs through the third volume. The first recess is outlined by a first recess opening, a first tip section of the first volume, a second tip section of the second volume, and a first wall of the third volume. The second recess is outlined by a second recess opening, a third tip section of the first volume, a fourth tip section of the second volume, and a second wall of the third volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composite structure comprising at least one reinforced polymer layer comprising a reinforcing material; a layer comprising a metal substrate comprising a surface and a conformal organic coating present on at least a portion of the surface; wherein the layer comprising the metal substrate is in direct contact with the reinforced polymer layer, and the reinforcing material is more noble than the metal substrate. Also disclosed is a method of making a composite structure, a surfacing film, and a test method for evaluating the galvanic corrosion resistance of a metal substrate test piece.

Abstract: A mask and air pressure control system for use in coating deposition is disclosed. A method is provided for controlling liquid coating droplets during deposition onto a substrate by directing atomized liquid coating droplets in a flow path toward the substrate, and applying a vacuum or pressurized air from an air pressure control system to at least a portion of the atomized liquid coating droplets in the flow path. The air pressure control mask comprises an air pressure control fixture structured and arranged for connection to a source of vacuum or pressurized air, and a nozzle opening structured and arranged to at least partially surround a flow path of the liquid coating droplets and to selectively allow at least a portion of the liquid coating droplets to pass through the air pressure control mask, wherein the vacuum or pressurized air prevents at least a portion of oversprayed liquid coating droplets from being deposited on the substrate outside an intended edge of the coating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing self-lubricating icephobic elastomer coatings (SLICs) can include forming the coatings from a three-component composition of a silicon elastomer, silicone oil, and a solvent, such as xylene. The coatings can provide ultra-low ice adhesion and high durability levels for a variety of applications operating in harsh icing environments, such as in aviation. In an example, the coatings or SLICs can be used in combination with a localized heating component to provide a Coating Heating Ice Protection (CHIP) system to minimize ice adhesion on the surface of an aircraft component, such as an airfoil or fan blades. Methods and systems for evaluating the ice release performance of the coatings can include high speed impaction of supercooled droplets on rotating fan blades to evaluate the coatings under conditions more representative of in-flight ice conditions, as compared to traditional testing methods.