Corrosion affects a metal s strength,

conductivity, durability, and resistance

to external influences.  Several differ 

ent  technologies  have  been  used  to

combat this problem.  Chromium, cop 

per,  lead,  cadmium,  and  zinc  metals

are among the materials used as cor 

rosion  inhibitors.    However,  each  of

these  has  health  issues  associated

with them.  For a corrosion inhibitor

to be effective, the surface of the metal

being protected may have galvanic and

passivity properties.  Lithium can pro 

vide both of these properties.

The University of New Orleans, Col 

lege of Engineering (UNO COE) devel 

Figure 2 1.  Ingersoll Fiber Placement Machine

oped the use of lithium with aluminum

for a corrosion inhibitor.  UNO COE s

equipment has successfully supported a number of

patented coating proved to make an aluminum

NASA and aircraft applications.  Figure 2 1 shows

alloy less reactive, less prone to corrosion, and

the current NCAM fiber placement machine, which

with improved electrical conductivity.  Also, us 

has  a  working  area  measuring  five  by  12  meters.

ing  an  Aluminum Lithium  (Al Li)  alloy  allows

NCAM personnel have participated in research and

for a lighter weight aluminum alloy to provide

technology development, while effecting a collabo 

the same structural properties as that of heavier

rative manufacturing environment.  Additionally, the

aluminum alloys.  With lithium alloyed into the

facility has provided both economic and educational

aluminum  creating  an  Al Li  alloy,  it  is  deter 

opportunities from the added technical capabilities

mined  that  this  alloy  has  all  the  properties  of

and work brought to the region; increased use of UNO

having the Al Li coating provided on top of the

COE  educational  offerings  by  NASA  and  NCAM

metal.   Also,  heating  this  alloy  provides  other

members  and    employees;  and  expanded  research

properties  due  to  the  lithium  migrating  to  the

opportunities for graduate students and faculty.  Of

surface.  Heating the Al Li alloy to 350oC pro 

equal importance are the improved product offerings

vides the best results.  However, heating it over

and quality that have been delivered to NASA and

600oC will vaporize the lithium, thus reducing

aircraft applications.  Considerable expansion of all

corrosion advantages.  In accelerated testing, a

these  opportunities  is  anticipated  when  the  addi 

two mil (thousandths of an inch) coating of Al 

tional state of the art system is added.

Li pigmented paint provided corrosion resistance

which  lasted  up  to  10  years.   A  chemical  film

treated surface of aluminum is not as corrosion

Corrosion Inhibitors

resistant  as  a  painted  surface;  however,  it  can

be painted later to improve on the intermediate

The University of New Orleans, College of En 

surface protection.  Since aluminum is especially

gineering  has  obtained  patents  on  the  use  of

susceptible to saltwater corrosion, the Al Li may

lithium as a corrosion inhibitor.  It developed alu 

provide substantial protection for aircraft.  UNO

minum lithium  alloys  that  have  improved  cor 

COE is studying this now.

rosion resistance without the use of a coating or

UNO COE is also studying the prevention of

chemical treatment.  The University of New Or 

the effects a copper or copper oxide coated ship

leans,  College  of  Engineering  also  developed  a

has  on  plants  and  wildlife.    It  has  long  been

paintable chemical film treatment for aluminum

known that copper hull ships kill the plant life

alloys,  and  is  researching  the  use  of  scandium

around  them;  thus,  the  wildlife  that  feed  on

as a corrosion resistant alloy (with aluminum)

plants  either  die  or  leave.    Greeks  have  devel 

with exceptional weight and strength advantages.

oped  Seal Coat ,  which is an epoxy with em 

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