Corrosion of Aircraft Structural Materials By Agricultural Chemicals 2. Effect of Insecticides, Herbicides, Fungicides and Fertilizers

Abstract

Abstract The corrosive and surface destruction effects of the generally used agricultural chemicals were tested on the structural materials and finishes used in agricultural aircraft and dispersing equipment. A total of 512 specimens of structural materials and finishes were tested partially submerged and 297 were tested under atmospheric conditions. A thorough study was made of the agricultural chemicals that are now commonly applied by aircraft. New compounds that have a promising outlook in the crop dusting program also were included. The structural materials tested included the most frequently used metals, basic finishes, plastics and doped fabrics. Because there are more than 3000 protective coatings on the market, only the fundamental finishes could be included in this investigation. As an overall summary of results it was found that only two materials tested, Type 302 stainless steel and polyester plastic reinforced with fiberglass, offered complete protection from all of the solutions investigated...