To maintain military readiness and reduce maintenance costs, weapons systems must be protected from environmental degradation. With many DoD platforms having their lifetimes extended, structural repair is essential to maintaining aging fleets. Many of these repairs are achieved through the use of various types of surface engineering technologies. In addition, structural materials on weapons systems generally must possess unique properties in order to function in demanding operational environments.

Providing protection from environmental degradation or manufacturing and maintaining structural materials with unique properties has often required the use of toxic or hazardous chemical substances. SERDP and ESTCP are developing and demonstrating the science, tools, and techniques needed to meet critical defense performance criteria while also reducing the impact on the environment and protecting the health of DoD workers and military personnel.

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Cold Spray

Cold spray, thermal spray, friction stir deposition, and wire arc additive manufacturing are a few of the technologies SERDP and ESTCP projects have been developing and studying. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, and these projects continue to explore their potential operational spaces. Learn More...

Plating Alternatives

Current plating practices use toxic metals and hazardous solutions. Several alternatives to cadmium and chrome plating exist but must be demonstrated and certified for military applications. Learn More...