Print Email Facebook Twitter Unravelling corrosion degradation of aged aircraft components protected by chromate-based coatings Title Unravelling corrosion degradation of aged aircraft components protected by chromate-based coatings Author Cornet, A.J. (TU Delft Team Arjan Mol; Royal Netherlands Air Force) Homborg, A.M. (TU Delft Team Arjan Mol; Netherlands Defence Academy) Ravi Anusuyadevi, P. (TU Delft Team Arjan Mol) 't Hoen-Velterop, L. (National Aerospace Laboratory, Marknesse) Mol, J.M.C. (TU Delft Team Arjan Mol) Date 2024 Abstract Despite extensive research, eliminating hexavalent chromium-based inhibitors from aerospace coatings remains challenging due to a lack of understanding of coating degradation during aircraft service. This study addresses the issue by investigating the protective mechanisms and aging processes of chromate-containing coatings on aircraft components after service for over 35 years. Four aircraft parts underwent visual inspection, disassembly, and analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). While most coating areas remained intact after extended use, three distinct degradation modes were identified: tip erosion, corrosion around rivets, and corrosion around fasteners at the leading edge. These findings reveal the complexity of corrosion protection, emphasizing that hexavalent chromium-containing coatings may not offer comprehensive protection at local design heterogeneities. The study also highlights the need to revisit traditional laboratory analysis protocols based on accelerated corrosion testing of oversimplified sample configurations, given the revealed end-of-service failure mechanisms. Subject Aerospace engineeringStructuresAluminium alloyCompositesFastenersMicroscopic characterization and microanalysisCorrosionManufacturing defectIsolationDrain holes To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:08e0f52f-c2ce-49a9-8d6f-a4f7c97a5145 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2024.108070 ISSN 1350-6307 Source Engineering Failure Analysis, 159 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2024 A.J. Cornet, A.M. Homborg, P. Ravi Anusuyadevi, L. 't Hoen-Velterop, J.M.C. Mol Files PDF 1-s2.0-S135063072400116X-main.pdf 16.93 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:08e0f52f-c2ce-49a9-8d6f-a4f7c97a5145/datastream/OBJ/view