Lighter through surface protection (LightSURF)

Research Project, 2019 – 2022

Purpose and goal: Composites are an established enabling technology for lightweighting, particularly in the transport sectors. They are, however, less stable towards fire and erosion compared to the metal solutions they compete with. While composites are already used to some extent in harsh environments, the present initiative aims to push the boundaries of the potential of these lightweight materials in a consortium that includes interdisciplinary scientific expertise along with industrial partners who wish to extend their use of composites. Expected results and effects: The project will create a platform of competence regarding surface protection for composite materials by screening protective coatings in combination with optimized surface pretreatment and coating application. Moreover, the project will address industrial challenges that will allow to advance lightweight solutions to higher technology readiness. We aim for weight reductions for the aimed aeroengine parts and ship decks by 15% and 30%, respectively. Moreover, it will provide involved SMEs with knowledge that will allow them to introduce lightweight solutions in new markets. Approach and implementation: The project will be implemented in a two-stage approach: In a first stage, a range of coatings on composites will be studied regarding surface pretreatment, coating application and protective performance. This first stage will provide a platform of competence in the area and result in general knowledge for the involved SMEs regarding suitable protection systems for their applications. Moreover, it will provide a few suitable coating systems for the industrial case studies, which will be studied in more detail and evaluated against the respective standards in a second stage.