PRC-DeSoto Qualified At Airbus for First High-Solids Exterior Coatings

    PARIS--June 15, 2001--PRC-DeSoto International, a PPG Industries company based in Glendale, Calif., has qualified the first high-solids exterior aircraft coatings system at Airbus Industrie.
    The company's high-solids, low VOC (volatile organic compound) Desoprime CA7002 epoxy primer and Desothane CA8000 polyurethane top coat comprise the system.
    According to Roald Johannsen, European aerospace marketing director, Airbus selected the system because of its environmental benefits and enhanced material efficiency.
    "Compared with conventional formulas, Desothane HS top coat and Desoprime primer have a higher percentage of solids for less material usage to achieve the needed coverage, and less solvent for lower VOC emissions when being applied," Johannsen said. "Desothane HS top coat is the only high-solids, low VOC top coat approved by both Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group and Airbus."
    Johannsen noted that PRC-DeSoto has product extensions to Desothane HS top coat.
    "We pioneered the metallic appearance and color effect as well as the application parameters for a mica base coat-clear coat system for airlines," Johannsen said.
    "Virgin Atlantic's unique re-livery program was the first application on widebody aircraft for a mica system. James Mason Cook (JMC), a charter airline based in the United Kingdom, also used this PRC-DeSoto technology for its re-livery program, and it has been rolled out successfully to other operators as well as Boeing and Airbus."
    PRC-DeSoto is displaying an aircraft wing coated with Desothane HS polyurethane top coat in a selection of mica colors used on the Virgin Atlantic and JMC re-livery programs at the Paris Air Show June 16 through June 24.
    A team of PRC-DeSoto aerospace coatings and sealants experts is available during the show to discuss color and coatings choices for operators and airframe manufacturers at the PPG Aerospace exhibit at stand H1, hall 2B.
    Also on display will be aircraft windshields and windows from PPG's aircraft transparencies business.
    PRC-DeSoto is a global leader in aerospace coatings and sealants. The world's largest manufacturer of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies, PPG also is a global supplier of glass, coatings, fiber glass and chemicals.
    Internet: www.prc-desoto.com