The topcoat and primer used on the exterior of Department of Defense (DoD) assets (e.g., aircraft, vehicles) are currently removed using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or thermal treatments. All of these methods generate hazardous waste, are labor intensive, and consume resources. Chemical stripping is one of the most effective methods of coating removal, especially on large assets, yet it remains the most hazardous to individuals due to the potential for dermal and inhalation exposure of toxic chemicals. Additionally, none of these methods can selectively remove the topcoat from the underlying non-metallic substrate (e.g., anti-corrosive epoxy primer, carbon-fiber reinforced composite) without damaging or completely removing the substrate. At the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), we have
develop stimuli-responsive silyl-containing topcoats that demonstrate similar thermal, mechanical, and performance properties (e.g., weatherability) as the high-performance polyurethane topcoats used on the
exterior of Navy aircraft and support equipment, respectively. Unlike current DoD topcoats, these silylcontaining coatings can be selectively degraded and removed (i.e., stripped) from an underlying and strongly adhered non-metallic substrate, such as an anti-corrosive epoxy primer, using an environmentally friendly fluoride salt composition and without damaging the chemical structure of the substrate.