The Boeing Company

Bruce K Keough

Diane C Rawlings

Larry K Olli

James M Kestner

Alan G Burg

George Michael Granger

James Charles McGarvey

James Charles Mcgarvey

Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.

Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, an appliqu&#xe9; coating is provided for a substrate. The appliqu&#xe9; coating includes a metal foil and a first polymer film underlying the metal foil. A topcoat overlying the metal foil may be provided as a layer of paint or as a second polymer film. An adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, underlying the first polymer film may be provided to affix the appliqu&#xe9; coating to the substrate. If desired, fibers may be dispersed throughout the second polymer film to provide anti-static properties. Also, an ink layer may be provided between the metal foil and the second polymer film, if desired, for aesthetic and/or anti-static purposes.

Applique

An overlay of patterned metal foil above a substrate to be protected supports development of localized coronas after a lightning strike. The localized coronas transport energy of a lightning strike above the substrate's surface with limited removal of metal foil from the lightning strike attachment point. A first polymer film underlies patterned metal foil. A topcoat overlies the patterned metal foil. An adhesive, underlying the first polymer film affixes the lightning diverter overlay to the substrate. If desired, semiconductor particulates may be dispersed throughout the second polymer film to contribute to instantaneous generation of localized coronas. Also, an ink layer may be provided between the patterned metal foil and the topcoat or on the exterior, if desired, for aesthetic and/or anti-static purposes.

Wide area lightning diverter overlay

Methods of forming a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) are provided. The methods may be suitable for aircraft exterior applications. A particular method includes mixing together an un-crosslinked acrylic adhesive, a solvent, and a polyisocyanate crosslinker to form a mixture. The method also includes driving off a portion of the solvent. The method further includes reacting the polyisocyanate crosslinker with the un-crosslinked acrylic adhesive. A resultant crosslinked adhesive exhibits a peel strength in a range between around 2 pounds per square inch and around 8 pounds per square inch at temperatures in a range between around 180 degrees Fahrenheit and around 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Method for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive

A pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) suitable for aircraft exterior applications formed by reacting a cross-linker with an un-crosslinked adhesive can resist many aircraft fluids and can maintain a bond to a protective barrier film of an appliqu&#xe9; at low and high temperatures. An exemplary PSA includes at least a first release liner and a crosslinked adhesive releasably bonded thereto. The crosslinked adhesive suitably is formed by reacting a polyisocyanate crosslinker with an un-crosslinked acrylic adhesive. The PSA can exhibit a peel strength between around 2-8 psi at temperatures between around 180-250 degrees Fahrenheit. In an exemplary method to provide a PSA, an un-crosslinked acrylic adhesive, a solvent, and a polyisocyanate crosslinker are mixed together. The mixture is reacted on a release liner. A portion of the solvent is driven off, and the polyisocyanate crosslinker is reacted with itself and with reactive groups remaining on the un-crosslinked acrylic adhesive.

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Kent, WA, United States of America

Bruce K Keough