Nanocoatings claim to have the potential to replace conventional coatings because of their unique properties and predicted environmental friendliness. They seem to be the ideal solution for overcoming numerous challenges faced by the aerospace and defense industries. However, a reality check needs to be done on these nanocoatings to determine their potential for market penetration. This is especially applicable to the aerospace industry because of the regulatory issues and technical hurdles faced at high altitudes. “There is a pressing need to balance innovative ideas and existing technical know-how owing to the risk factors involved,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Hence, R&D management in the field of aviation nanocoatings is critical; the funding, technical expertise, and product development processes have to be carefully planned out.”

Aerospace nanocoatings might be the primary alternatives to chrome plating. They play a major role in thermal barrier, icephobic, and protective coatings. A combination of more than one of these properties in a single nanocoating product is a trend. For instance, most chrome-alternative nanocoatings offer additional properties such as heat resistance. Global nanotechnology initiatives have contributed to the growth of aerospace nanocoatings. Funding from governments and involvement of nations’ defense and space industries have contributed to more than half of this growth.

Observations reveal that the focus of research is shifting toward the safety aspect of nanomaterials in terms of size and toxicity. This is likely to lead to changes in the existing nanotechnology regulations. As nanocoatings have been predicted to contribute to the safety of aircraft and spacecraft, such changes in regulations are likely to affect the future/prospects of the aerospace nanocoatings market. Despite the increase in the number of application areas of aerospace nanocoatings, funding has considerably decreased. Concerns over the possibility of penetration of nanoparticles into the human body have triggered debate. Hence, alternative surface technologies for aerospace applications such as composite tooling and new materials for surfaces are being simultaneously researched. In the long run, these new materials are likely to compete with aerospace nanocoatings. Overall, nanocoatings are safer than the existing coatings, as they emit lesser volatile organic compounds (VOC) and employ technologies such as thermal spray and diamond-like, which are non-hazardous when compared to electroplating chrome technologies and organic paints. Hence, researchers must develop new nondestructive testing facilities in every stage applicable to laboratories, manufacturing units, and aerospace companies. Nanomaterials should also be certified safe by reputed testing companies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary

2. Key Findings

3. Global R&D Network Analysis

   3.1 Value Chain Assessment

   3.2 Existing R&D Networks

   3.3 Stakeholder – R&D Focus Areas

   3.4 Emerging Business Models

   3.5 Environmental Assessment

   3.6 Key Technology Drivers

   3.7 Key Business Drivers

   3.8 Regulatory, Geo-Political Factors / Standards Compliance

4. Global R&D Network Analysis

   4.1 Value Chain Assessment

       4.1 a Existing R&D Networks

       4.1 b Stakeholder – R&D Focus Areas

       4.1 c Emerging Business Models

   4.2 Environmental Assessment

       4.2 a Key Technology Drivers

       4.2 b Key Business Drivers

       4.2 c Regulatory, Geo-Political Factors / Standards Compliance

5. Strategic Management of R&D

   5.1 Industry Trends & Requirements

       5.1 a Technical Resource Competency

       5.1 b R&D Intensity

       5.1 c Infrastructural / Facility Demands

       5.1 d Availability of Funding and Future Milestones

   5.2 R&D Management Strategy

       5.2 a Technology Strategy

       5.2 b R&D Strategy

       5.2 c R&D Assessment

   5.3 New Product Development and Commercialization Strategy

       5.3 a Innovation Strategy

       5.3 b IP Protection Strategy

6. Pertinent Patents in Aerospace Nanocoatings Domain

   6.1 Database of Key Industry Participants

   6.2 Decision Support Database

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