Starch Media Blasting for Aerospace Finishing Applications

This paper reviews a wide range of starch blast media coating removal applications for the aerospace industry.

Although broad approvals by major aircraft manufacturers are still pending, commercial airlines are using this process to remove polyurethane paints from 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 clad aluminum as thin as 0.020″ without metal deformation in selected applications. Alodine 1000 and 1200 treated panels pass 7-day salt spray exposure tests after depainting. Chromic acid anodizing is also left largely intact.

A wide variety of coatings are stripped from graphite, fiberglass, and kevlar without the risk of substrate damage observed with plastic media. Polysulfide sealants and carbon deposits are easily removed from engine parts and castings. Tedlar and adhesive backing for interior finishing are removed from B727 and B737 aircraft. Primer is stripped from magnesium elevator skins leaving Dow conversion coating completely intact. Excess adhesive flash from metal-to-metal bonded parts is removed.