Project 142243
Problem: Current paste adhesives used in maintenance and sustainment activities are often high in viscosity, which makes them difficult to apply and spread while curing. While the development of a high-performance and high elongation paste adhesive might be useful for some applications it is not as commercially viable as film or hot melt adhesives. In order for commercial maintenance and sustainment industries to benefit from these enhanced adhesive properties for use in their own processes and products, it is imperative that the paste adhesive be transitioned to a film or hot melt alternative. For the United States (U.S.) Army, developing adhesives that meet the Group I MIL-PRF-32662 specifications is vital to their ability to keep their vehicles and other equipment up to a warfighting standard in a variety of conditions.
Benefit: The successful completion of this initiative will lead to a more dynamic and sustainable maintenance environment across the Department of Defense (DOD) and can benefit many commercial industries who face similar challenges from their current adhesive options.
Solution/Approach: The overall objective of this initiative is to assess the capability of transitioning a proven paste adhesive that meets specific performance criteria to a film or hot melt adhesive form and evaluating its performance. The Army is an ideal surrogate to test and demonstrate this new adhesive technology. Transitioning the current paste adhesive technology to a film or hot melt adhesive would allow the Army to expand their current maintenance capabilities with adhesive technology that would save precious resources as well as reduce the need for additional maintenance or sustainment work since these adhesives are expected to last the life span of the vehicle.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Enhance durability and sustainability of adhesives
- Lessen vehicle downtime
- Decrease maintenance and sustainment costs
- Reduce waste and process inefficiencies
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)
Industry Participation:
- PPG Industries, Inc.
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Positive environmental impact
- Mx management improvement
- Improved readiness
- Survivability
- Reliability improvement
Mx Focus Area:
- Coatings and Corrosion Prevention
