SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
A NON-POLLUTING ELECTROCHEMICAL PAINT STRIPPING TECHNOLOGY
Technical Abstract:
The use of presently available technologies, namely, the use of solvents and plastic media
blasting (PMB) for paint stripping from painted surfaces poses several environmental
problems. The use of solvents produces excessive volatile organic carbon (VOC) emissions
and causes end disposal problems, while PMB gives rise to air pollution and other operating
problems. This proposal describes innovative approaches for developing a non-polluting,
non-invasive, cost effective paint stripping technology based on electrochemical
delamination of organic coatings at metal-polymer interfaces. A paintied aluminum alloy
will be used in the experimental work. Aluminum is a widely used structural material and
the technology developed could be easily adapted to the removal of coatings from other
metal surfaces. The cathodic delamination process will be researched using several methods
to enhance the various steps involved. These include enhancement of mass transfer of
oxygen and water to polymer-metal interfaces using a non-conventional inorganic solution
containing a biodegradable surfactant as the wetting medium. Similarly, methods of
enhancing activity of the non-catalytic aluminum oxide-polymer interface for the cathodic
delamination process will be researched. Other electrochemical techniques, for example,
voltage pulsing to enhance the delamination of the paint film will also be studied. Chloride
solutions produce contaminated alloy surface unsuitable for repainting. Thus, the use of
chloride solutions will be avoided in the research effort.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The development of an electrochemically based, environmentally friendly paint stripping
technology would have widespread Federal and commercial applications. This technology
will find applications in civil aviation and in other private sectors, such as automobiles,
bridges, ships, etc.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Lynntech, Inc
7610 Eastmark Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Hu, Hughes STX.
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996