Westbrook RDC is an aerospace materials company dedicated to advancing next-generation solutions for the 21st century and beyond. We develop innovative materials and processes that meet customer requirements, reduce long-term hazards, and prioritize the use of U.S.-sourced components. Founded in 2024 by a former U.S. Navy engineer, Westbrook RDC brings a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory needs of the Department of Defense and U.S. aerospace industries—including OEM and MRO sectors. Our mission is to bridge innovation with practicality, delivering materials that are safer, more sustainable, and aligned with national security priorities. This approach has led to the companies first Phase I SBIR related to cadmium and zinc-nickel coating removal, as well as various levels of partnerships with commercial aerospace entities.

Focus Area: Coating and Corrosion Prevention

Alexander Westbrook
ajwestbrook@westrdc.com
240-435-2358

Problem Statement:

Conversion coatings and sol gels are challenging to remove, whether for repair or fluorescent penetrant inspection. The current method of removal, abrasive pads, creates a significant risk of maintainer exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. This risk requires excellent controls to prevent cross-contamination of the workspace, as well as to meet new limits set by the California Air Resource Board.

Technology Solution Statement:

This process controllably applies a small amount of self-limiting chemical etchant. This etchant dissolves the coating and when it begins to etch/activate the aluminum the surface turns gray. The etchant is then wiped with a solution that absorbs the dissolved material while neutralizing any remaining active etchant material. The wipe is then disposed of, and the process is complete. There is no dust generation, no dripping liquid waste, no roughened surface risking dimensional tolerance.

Benefits Statement: 

Technique can double both as an inorganic finishes removal method and a spot check pre-penetrant etch for NDI techniques (ideal for battle damage combat repair)

• Result is a highly active surface (over 15 minutes) that can be used for direct to metal painting, or repair of inorganic finishes.
• All waste is captured in a disposable wipe reducing, which is more affordable to dispose of than the current liquid waste.