Enhancing the performance of aerospace coatings using functional nanoparticles

A consortium consisting of Energenics Europe Ltd, Indestructible Paint Ltd and Monitor Coating Ltd has been awarded a TSB grant to develop a nanoparticle-based coating solution for high performance applications. Aerospace coatings are expected to perform in demanding environments and are subjected to very high levels of UV exposure which degrades their structure. This makes the coatings more susceptible to erosion through high speed impacts with dust particles and vapour droplets and can eventually lead to operational failure. Coatings on wind turbine blades (particularly offshore) are prone to similar degradation mechanisms. The project aims to develop a nanoparticle-based solution that simultaneously improves both the UV protection properties and the mechanical resilience of high performance coatings. This will extend re-painting intervals, significantly reducing maintenance costs and contribute to the sustainability of these high growth markets in the longer term.