Currently, the preferred abrasion-resistant camouflage coatings are filled polyurethane paints. These paints have moderate high-temperature resistance, but very poor long-term wear resistance at high temperatures and they degrade over time, resulting in the need for frequent repair and recoating. However, the Air Force needs abrasion-resistant coatings that can withstand high temperatures for longer durations and that match the existing camouflage paint schemes of aircraft parts. TRI evaluated a variety of raw materials, developed numerous coating formulations in conjunction with the experimental design development process and then identified the best formulations.

The new Proteckt camouflage coating offers greatly improved high-temperature abrasion resistance for aerospace composite applications. The coating cures faster, is resistant to standard aircraft fluids, meets color and gloss requirements, and exhibits good adhesion, even after accelerated fluid exposures. It can be applied using traditional procedures, including brush, roller and high-volume low-pressure spray. Due to high interest in the product, the firm received a $1.3 million Rapid Innovation Funding award to further advance the technology.