any one tried this stuff looks interesting

PreKote Surface Pretreatement (SP)
As a response to the environmental concerns around pollution prevention and clean technologies,
in 1996 the Department of Defense (DoD) began testing replacements for chromate conversion
coatings as a safer alternative.3 Four products were tested; three were non-chromated conversion
coatings (NCCC), and one was a non-chromated surface pretreatment (NCSP). Surprisingly,
within six months of the DoD’s testing efforts, only one of the four evaluated products, the
NCSP, tested successfully as a suitable for replacement for CCC. The NCSP product, PreKote
Surface Pretreatment (PreKote SP), also eliminated other hazardous chemicals including etchants,
solvents and alkali washes. Testing of the PreKote SP technology has included flexibility,
filiform corrosion, adhesion and the 2000 hour salt spray on painted panels proving performance
that surpassed the standard chromated methods (Figure 3).4 The first F-16 was painted in 1997
and the test was complete in 1998 showing excellent results from other systems to PreKote SP.
In 2000 the Technical Order (TO) for repainting F-16’s was changed to include specifications to
use PreKote SP as a NCSP. Since that time over 500 F-16’s have been painted with the PreKote
SP Process, and these planes have been deployed all over the world, most recently for utilization
during Iraqi Freedom.
In 1996 USAF testing also began on T-37’s and
T-38’s with the first plane fully painted with
PreKote SP technology the same year. In 2001
testing was complete and the TO was changed
to authorize the use of PreKote SP as a NCSP.
To date over 50 T-37’s and T-38’s have been
painted using the PreKote SP technology.
There are several AF testing programs still
underway. In 2000 a five year testing program
was started with two C-130’s and two A-10’s
with the goal of possibly adding PreKote SP to
Technical Order 1-1-8, the general Technical
Order, which will authorize any USAF plane
the ability to use PreKote SP. Testing also
includes using PreKote SP technology on
magnesium wheels and exterior missile silos5,
both showing positive results.


The PreKote SP technology contributed to the Air Force eliminating numerous hazardous
products, as well as saving on disposal costs. With the PreKote SP, finishers required less time to
prepare, monitor and paint the aircraft, reducing personal protective equipment and other
chromium related requirements. PreKote SP is not EPA regulated under 40 CFR 433 and can be
used on substrates including aluminum, magnesium, cadmium, steel, composite materials,
anodized and non-anodized metals. It is important to recognize that the PreKote SP is not a
conversion coating, does not permanently change the surface of the substrate, and is designed to
be an integral part of the coating system. PreKote SP treated surfaces cannot pass a 168 hour salt
spray corrosion test. As stated earlier, PreKote SP is not designed to be used as a stand alone
product but in conjunction with a coating. The PreKote SP treated panels that have been painted,
perform as well or better as a system, to panels that have been prepared with CCC and painted,
including a 3000 hour salt spray test. Identified by the EPA as pollution prevention technology,
their report concluded that PreKote SP reduce(s) worker exposure to solvents and other toxic
chemicals traditionally used in the painting operation.6
Based on all of the accumulated success with the PreKote SP technology, the USAF contacted the
EPA Water Division for clarification on the Metal Finishing effluent guidelines (40 CFR 433)
and how they pertain to PreKote SP. The report states since PreKote SP is not a chemical
conversion coating, the use of the product does not automatically trigger categorical industrial
user status under the metal finishing effluent guidelines.7 This is significant because the
guidelines are time consuming and costly to administer and follow. Other reports have found that
PreKote SP generates about half of the amount of wastewater as compared to the wastewater
previously generated.8