Smart Anti-Corrosion & Conductive Coating Technology for the Aerospace Industry

PROJECT COST:

555 300 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

222 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

The objective of this collaborative research project is to demonstrate an innovative approach to the development of a self-healing, electrically conductive anticorrosion coating for aluminum alloys used in the aerospace and space sectors. This proposal builds upon the promising results of an 18-month preliminary study carried out through a partnership between ArianeGroup and ÉTS.

The project’s primary goal is to enhance the coating’s performance and optimize its formulation while integrating self-healing functionality through the development and incorporation of microcapsules and multiphase fibers. These advanced functional components will be designed and developed in close collaboration with our industrial partners, ArianeGroup (France) and Nanogrande (Canada).

Throughout the project, Rescoll (France), a long-standing collaborator of ArianeGroup, will provide key expertise and support to ensure that the proposed formulations and manufacturing processes remain scalable and transferable from the academic laboratory environment to industrial production. This partnership will facilitate the deployment and integration of the technology while addressing the specific requirements and constraints of aerospace manufacturing applications.

Developed at ÉTS, this smart anticorrosion coating is intended for use in next-generation Ariane launch vehicles. It aims to provide a more environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional corrosion protection systems that rely on hexavalent chromium-based inhibitors.