Environmentally Safe and Effective Processes for Paint Removal

Environmentally Safe and Effective Processes for Paint Removal Paint stripping and repainting of aircraft surfaces arc requircd periodically during thc operating lifetime of an aircraft. Historically, paint removal has been achieved using chemical strippers, involving materials which contain toxic components and which create hazardous working conditions. The process generates large amounts of hazardous waste from the chemicals used. Alternative methods for aircraft paint removal are now being investigated within the NATO nations with regard to their environmental safety and effective application. These processcs include: Plastic Media Blasting, Wheat Starch Dry Media Blasting, Carbon Dioxide Pellet Blasting, Sodium Bicarbonate Blasting and Thermal Decomposition Methods (Laser. Flash Lampsicarbon Dioxide). The Lecture Series will review these current state-of-the-art alternative methods wilh regard to environmental effects and relatcd health hazards, costs, process controls, practicality of operation and their effects on properties of aircraft structural materials.