Koene B.E., Mullins A., Thornton M., Newsome M.
Luna, US
Keywords: coatings, rubber, tires
Luna developed a durable coating system that can be color-matched to currently used Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) systems currently used on Army vehicles. Signature management technology such as camouflage coatings on military tactical vehicles significantly reduces detection by enemy combatants. Black tires and tracks, however, are in direct contrast to the vehicle and surroundings and constitute a large portion of the vehicle profile. As a result Luna has developed coatings color matched to brown 383, green 383, green 808, IRR foliage green 504, tan 686A, black, 37030, and woodland desert sage 34201. Luna’s coating can be easily applied in a timely manner to combat vehicle tires by covalently bonding directly to styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber. The coating has strong adhesion to the tire rubber, resulting in excellent durability through adverse environmental conditions (fatigue, fluid exposure, abrasion, and aging). The coating was designed for ease of application using brush, spray and aerosol methods (spray can). The coating can be rapidly applied (both pretreatment and coating application) and cures quickly to limit equipment downtime. The coating has been demonstrated through extensive performance testing related to adhesion, wear, environmental durability, and fatigue. The coating has demonstrated the ability to maintain excellent physical properties with full pigment loading to color match to Tan 686A, with a spectral gloss of 2.6 (60º). The coating has been proven to not degrade rubber properties after application and subsequent aging in both laboratory tests and after full tire endurance testing.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs 2017
Published: May 14, 2017
Pages: 270 - 273
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-0-9975117-8-9