Chemical Agent Resistant (CARC) Protective Film Coatings
Paints vs. FluoroGrip Applique
Current U.S. CARC systems are a combination of pretreatments, primers and topcoats. After surface preparation and pretreatment, exteriors of vehicles are painted with an epoxy primer, then with an aliphatic polyurethane topcoat. The interior of hull-type vehicles gets an epoxy enamel over the epoxy primer.
CARC paint is required on all combat, combat support, and combat service support equipment.
Major end items and major components with exposed surfaces painted with CARC will have the word “CARC” stenciled on them in close proximity to the data plate.
As an environmentally friendly alternative, Integument’s FluoroGrip applique films have passed the full battery of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) and Nuclear Biological and Chemical Contamination Survivability (NBCCS) tests as specified by the United States Armed Forces (including resistance to corrosion, penetration by chemical agents and resistance to decontamination solutions.)
Tests were performed by the US Army’s testing laboratory (CUBRC under CUBRC contract No. 6801.01 and SBIR Contracts N00014-05-C-0018 and W9113M-04-C-0040.
| Applique | CARC Paint |
|---|---|
| Tail or able, 3-D Media | Uniform Material |
| Potential for Embossed or Molded | Smooth or Random Surface Texture |
| Possible Index Variation Near Surface to Minimize Reflectance | Specular Reflectance Near Grazing Angles from Index Mismatch with Air |
| Lower Particle Loading Possible | High Loading of Pigment in Binder |
| Potential for Variable Dye and Particle Distribution Through Depth of Coating | Pigment Uniformly Distributed Through Depth of Coating |
| Films are Semi-Transparent Allowing Particle Characteristics to Determine Optical Properties of Applique | Binder Characteristics and High Pigment Loading Obscure Isolated Particle Characteristics |
| Inclusion of Oriented Particles in Film | Pigment Particles Randomly Oriented |
| Use of Printing Techniques Allows Mixed Colors in Pattern | Small Set of Uniform Colors Used in Camouflage Patterns |
| Use of Printing Techniques Allows High Pattern Detail | Application Methods Limit Pattern Detail |
| Single component Peel and stick | Multi-component |
| No Hazardous Solvents, VOC’s, HAP’s. No special equipment for installation | Hazardous materials-required HAZMAT for installation |
| Substrate Unlimited | Substrate Limited |
| No Special Equipment | Highly specialized Equipment |
| Cost similar to standard Mil Paints | Costs substantially higher than standard Mil Paints |
| Long term Lifecycle capability (>10 years) | Short Lifetime cycle (< 5 years) |
| Easy to Maintain, Repair, and Reconfigure | Repair and Maintenance difficult and costly required HAZMAT |