Coating Material for the Protection of Aircraft Integral Fuel Tanks

Abstract

This document is subject to special export controls and each transmittal to foreign governments or foreign nationals may be made only with prior approval of the Air Force Materials Laboratory (MXAS). Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Ohio 45433. The reaction between aluminum and water, which is sluggish at ambient temperature, is shown below: Al + 3H 2 0-WA I(OH) 3 + 3/2 H2 2j 4i VOL' The presence of gelatinous hydroxide, oxide film or hydrogen all contributh to the system's stability. Due to the fact that metals are such good conductors, the total resistance of the galvanic circuit is usually a function of the solution or electrolyte resistanbe. Consequently, no appreciable galvanic corrosion will be, generated in distilled water due to its poor conductance. Addition of tap water or sult water will supply sufficient ionizable salts to make the water conductive. This results in an increase in the corrosion rate as a function of temperature. The algebraic sum of the two relevant half-cell reactions is given below: