Cr VI FREE COATING · Development of an innovative alternative to the use of hexavalent chromium in the aerospace coating

The aerospace coatings industry has been working to minimise the exposure of individuals with the sector from Carcinogenic Mutagenic Reprotoxic (CMR) compounds such as hexavalent chromate based coating solution. The drive has been steered towards substituting or at least limit to the bare minimum CMR compounds according to European Directive 2006/122/EC and the European Registration Inspection (REACH) requirements.As Mapaero SAS, a French manufacturer of water based aerospace paints and coating products, we have developed turnkey innovations for the aerospace coatings sector. We have developed a water based primer P7X that is free of the CMR classified hexavalent chromate corrosion inhibitor base in compliance to the Directive 2006/122/EC and REACH requirements. Since our primer is chromate free, we have also developed an effectiveness assessment test Droplet Test, used together with the conventional Salt Spray Test.Our innovation will result in a quick drying, chromate free water based primer that can be easily sprayed onto large aerospace parts with a long pot life >4hours and reduced Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) constituent limited to <350g/L. Our Droplet test will reduce primer effectiveness validation test from 3,000hours to 168hours. We anticipate this will inevitably result in the establishment of a new standard in the effectiveness assessment of chromate free aerospace coating solutions.The main objective of this Feasibility Study is to initiate and validate the primer qualification for commercial development according to aerospace regulations and define the best strategy to reach market readiness. As a result of this project, we anticipate that we will grow our turnover of €20.82 million and a profit of €12.22 million, increase the headcount by 40 and achieve a ROI of 71,46% for each invested Euro by 2025.