The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Office of Naval Research have developed a paint additive they hope can help prevent corrosion of vehicles’ metal surfaces.
The U.S. Navy said Wednesday that the polyfibroblast powder is designed to be mixed with commercial paint primers and for its composition to help scratched paint heal over the exposed metal.
Navy officials want to address the concerns on maintenance costs and lifetime of military vehicles used in the field.
“Corrosion costs the Department of the Navy billions of dollars each year,” said Marine Corp Capt. Frank Furman, who manages logistics research programs for ONR’s expeditionary maneuver warfare and combating terrorism department.
Work on the additive started in 2008.