09493 Evaluation of Coatings for Flex Hoses at the Space Shuttle Launch Pad

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Product Number: 51300-09493-SG

ISBN: 09493 2009 CP

Author: Mary C. Whitten, Rubiela D. Vinje, Jerome P. Curran, Luz M. Calle and Barry J. Meneghelli

Publication Date: 2009

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An aluminum impregnated nitrile rubber matrix referred to as AR-7 is a coating that has been used to protect stainless steel flex hoses at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center launch complex and hydraulic lines of the mobile launch platform (MLP). This coating has great corrosion control performance and low temperature application. AR-7 was developed by NASA and produced exclusively for NASA but its production has been discontinued due to its high content of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and significant environmental impact. The purpose of this project was to select and evaluate candidate coatings to find a replacement coating that is more environmentally friendly, with similar properties to AR-7. No coatings were identified that perform the same as AR-7 in all areas. Candidate coatings failed in comparison to AR-7 in salt fog, beachside atmospheric exposure, pencil hardness, Mandrel bend, chemical compatibility, adhesion, and ease of application tests. However, two coatings were selected for further evaluation.

Keywords: flex hose coatings