"It's particularly satisfying for our researchers--Gordon Bierwagen, Michael Nanna, and Dante Battocchi--who developed the new
aluminum primer technology." The coating developed at NDSU will not only eliminate the need for using hazardous chromate-based materials, but will also provide longer-lasting corrosion protection, states Chapman.
During the overcoating process, exposed steel surfaces are spot-primed with a surface tolerant one-component moisture-cure polyurethane
aluminum primer. A polyurethane intermediate coat that meets VOC requirements then can be applied to the entire bridge surface.
Notable research efforts include a nontoxic
aluminum primer for airplanes, antifouling and fouling-release silicones for ships, durable hybrid coatings for aircraft systems, and protective coatings for outdoor bronze sculptures and the preservation of modern art.