OEMs continually seek ways to maximize the performance and durability of their components in the field. However, few solutions can meet the specific requirements of demanding applications, such as aerospace and automotive. This post will explain how elastomeric coatings can help OEMs improve component performance and durability, even in challenging environments, thanks to their unique properties, benefits, and customizability.  

Let’s begin with a brief introduction to elastomeric coatings. 

What are elastomeric coatings? 

Elastomeric coatings are a type of protective coating that provides a flexible, durable, and waterproof barrier. They are typically made from synthetic rubber materials and can be adhered to a wide range of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and composites. Elastomeric coatings can be applied to both new and existing components and can be used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, marine, architectural and industrial. 

How do elastomeric coatings maximize component performance and durability? 

OEMs rely on elastomeric coatings to boost the performance and durability of their components because they offer protection against erosion, resistance to environmental factors, superior expansion and contraction properties, and a high degree of resilience  

• Protection against impact erosion: Surface erosion due to partial impact is a chief concern in critical industries such as aerospace because it can significantly damage components, reducing performance and durability. This is particularly true with composite materials which are becoming the predominant components in aerospace. Many industries including automotive, healthcare, and construction which use kevlars and/or composites in their frames to reduce weight, experience high erosion impact because the new materials are hard or brittle. Custom elastomeric coatings provide a barrier that mitigates impact, helping to extend the life of the component and reduce the need for maintenance and repairs.
  
  Looking for a comprehensive erosion protection solution for aerospace applications? Head to our website to learn about AMESShield, a multi-functional elastomeric coating combining material science with system dynamics utilizing unique application methodologies.
  
• Resistance to environmental factors: Elastomeric coatings can selected and formulated to withstand a wide range of environmental factors, including extreme temperatures, UV exposure, ozone and chemical exposure, such as salt spray, jet fuel, and propylene glycol. This resistance makes them ideal for components exposed to harsh environments, such as those used in the automotive and aerospace industries. In addition, specialized elastomeric coatings and application systems like AMESShield provide  a passive system to help shed ice. This icephobic capability can be used alone or supplemental to  other anti-icing systems, such as bladders or electro-thermal technologies thus reducing energy consumption and frequency of use. By protecting components from these environmental factors, elastomeric coatings help to extend their life and improve their performance.
  
• Superior expansion and contraction properties: Elastomeric coatings provide a flexible barrier that can expand and contract with the component. This feature is crucial for components exposed to vibration or movement, such as those used in the automotive and aerospace industries. By providing a flexible barrier, elastomeric coatings recover in a compression or tension atmosphere, preventing cracking and other damage that can occur when components are exposed to repeated movement.  
  
• Enhanced adhesion: Elastomeric coatings can be formulated and supplemented with primer systems to adhere to a wide range of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and composites. This enhanced adhesion capability ensures that the coating remains in place, even under extreme conditions. By staying in place, elastomeric coatings provide continuous protection to the component, which helps to improve its performance and extend its life.  

Next, we’ll highlight the unique benefits of choosing elastomeric coatings to maximize your component’s performance and durability. 

Why choose elastomeric coatings?  

Elastomeric coatings offer considerable cost and performance benefits, including: 

• Cost savings 
  Elastomeric coatings are a cost-effective solution for OEMs. By using elastomeric coatings, OEMs can reduce their maintenance costs and extend the life of their components, which can result in significant cost savings over time. They can be removed and re-applied as required to further extending component life.  

• Effectiveness  
   Elastomeric coatings require little maintenance and can dramatically help extend the life of components, even in demanding environments, providing a highly effective solution.  

• Custom formulations  
   Elastomers and elastomeric compounds can be custom formulated, and their adherence to most other materials as well as the ability to bond to themselves allows engineers to design hybrid constructions specifically to satisfy your unique requirements.

We have more than 70 years of experience formulating and applying proprietary erosion-resistant customized elastomeric coatings to protect aerospace, aircraft, and other critical components and systems. Visit our website to learn more about our advanced elastomeric coating capabilities, or contact our team for personalized assistance.