An Evaluation of Fungal-Influenced Corrosion of Aircraft Operating in Marine Tropical Environments

Abstract

Fungi were isolated and identified in ten aircraft that had been operating in marine tropical environments. Distribution and growth of fungi depended on availability of water and nutrients. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that surface washes, including the approved military maintenance procedure, were ineffective in removing fungal hyphae embedded in polyurethane coatings. Surface cleaning removed spores and discoloration associated with fungi, but fragments of the hyphae remained and grew as soon as conditions were favorable. Aged coatings fouled more rapidly than new coatings. Fungicides incorporated into the topcoats produced mixed results. Bare aluminum suffered localized corrosion when colonized by fungi.

Insight into Degrading Effects of Two Fungi on Polyurethane Coating Failure in a Simulated Atmospheric Environment

“…In addition, because this environment is believed to be relatively mild, the coatings provide broad-spectrum protection rather than specific severe environments, evaluated with a uniform antifungal standard test (GJB150.10). Moreover, the strains used in the standard test are different from those present in severe environments, which may result in a different degrading effect [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Therefore, the antifungal properties of the coating in severe environments might be far from satisfactory [ 33 ].…”