Military helicopters operating in humid environments often develop growths of microfungi on interior surfaces. Fungal contamination requires labor for cleaning maintenance, and also has the potential to influence corrosion of airframes directly via fungal metabolism or indirectly via unauthorized cleaning procedures. Nine genera of microfungi were isolated from the interiors of military helicopters. One of the isolates is known to discolor paint, and another reportedly causes corrosion in aluminum alloy. In a study to determine the short-term effect of fungal growth on paints used on military helicopters, coupons painted with polyester polyurethane and lacquer-based coating were exposed to fungal isolates. Both coated and uncoated surfaces were examined for physical changes due to presence and activities of fungi. Polyester polyurethane paint exhibited better short term resistance to initiation of overgrowth and surface damage by fungi than lacquer-based paint.

Subject
Microscopy, Metal surfaces, Aircraft, Polyurethanes, Polyurethane coatings, Defense, Corrosion coupons, Aluminum alloys, Polyester, Paints, Cleaning, Coupons, Oil
Keywords:
biodeterioration, polyester, polyurethane, lacquer, fungi, mildew
Government work published by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) with permission of the author(s). Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1997
GOV
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