Introduction
Protecting aircraft landing gear from corrosion and damage is critical for ensuring flight safety and minimizing maintenance costs. Traditional protective methods often fall short under the harsh conditions faced by these components.
Gentoo™ is an advanced hydrophobic coating that offers superior corrosion resistance while effectively repelling water, fuel, and other fluids. This durable coating extends the lifespan of key aircraft components, reduces maintenance expenses, and enhances overall reliability. Gentoo Surface Treatment is setting a new standard in aircraft protection.
The Challenge
Landing gear are vital for flight safety, but the metals used to make them can corrode if the surface is scratched or damaged. Like other aircraft components, corrosion on landing gear can cause serious failures. To prevent this, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) currently uses coatings like cadmium, zinc-nickel, chromium, and nickel to protect landing gear from corrosion.
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However, landing gear often gets scratched by debris, rain, sand, dust, and runway conditions. This damage removes the protective coatings, leaving the metal exposed to rust. Water can also pool on parts, further increasing the risk of corrosion. Repairing or replacing these corroded parts is expensive, especially for older aircraft with hard-to-find replacement parts.
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There is a need for advanced coatings that are easy to apply, durable, cost-effective, and more resistant to corrosion. These coatings should repel water, withstand impacts, and provide long-lasting protection for landing gear. This would help parts last longer, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize hazardous waste.
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Gentoo is designed to meet this need. It is a durable, water-repellent surface treatment that effectively sheds water and other fluids like jet fuel and transmission fluid. Gentoo has been proven to reduce corrosion significantly compared to current military-approved coatings, leading to cost savings and fewer rejected parts.
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The Gentoo coating is a clear, ultra-thin layer (less than 5 micrometers) made with advanced silane-modified polymer chemistry. It combines the strength, durability, and corrosion resistance of standard coatings while also being highly water-repellent. Gentoo can be easily applied using common techniques like brushing, spraying, or flow coating. It doesn’t change the look of the surface but greatly improves its ability to shed water and resist corrosion, weathering, and impact damage.
