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Prevent Corrosion in Aerospace with Ardrox AV

Ardrox Products

Prevent Corrosion in Aerospace with Ardrox AV

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of a metal surface due to exposure to natural elements such as moisture and humidity. In aviation, corrosion is a common problem, and if it is not handled properly, it can also become an expensive problem.

During standard aircraft operations, the high ground temperatures and low in-flight temperatures create moisture condensation, which penetrates any open, unprotected surface on the airframe. An effective corrosion prevention and control program is crucial in controlling airframe corrosion and reducing the high cost of corrosion repair and metal replacement. The application of an Ardrox AV CIC (Corrosion Inhibiting Compound) is an effective tactic for initial and on-going corrosion control.

These compounds can be applied to all internal metal surfaces of the airframe (excluding the fuel tanks) including:

  • Leading and trailing edges 
  • Doors and door cut-outs 
  • Bulkhead 
  • Fuel tank 
  • Landing gear bays 
  • Fuselage floor area 
  • Fuselage crown area 
  • Lower structures, bilge areas and keel-beam 
  • Passenger and cargo doors 
  • Hull with stringers and frames 
  • Toilet area
  • Fairings, antennas and nose

What is an Ardrox CIC?

The purpose of an Ardrox AV CIC is to displace moisture and form a protective barrier. This protective barrier is particularly important in the areas of the highest susceptibility to corrosion, preventing moisture and condensation from accumulating in crevices, cracks, and all metal-to-metal interfaces.   

The CIC is also designed to penetrate through interfaces, to form a protective secondary barrier, and prevent the moisture from contacting the metal. 


Ardrox AV CIC Coating diagram

Meet the Family

With the Ardrox AV product range you are in a position to choose between a variety of corrosion inhibiting compounds with tailor-made properties and a large number of approvals from all major OEMs including:

  • Airbus: AIMS 09-08-001, AIMS 09-08-002, AIMS 09-08-003 and AIMS 09-08-004
  • Boeing: BMS 3-23, BMS 3-26, BMS 3-29 and BMS 3-35
  • Embraer: MEP 10-063
  • Bombardier: BAMS 565-006
  • US Military: MIL-PRF-16173 and MIL-DTL-85054
Properties AV 8 AV 15 AV 25 AV 30 AV 40 AV 35D AV 100D 
Film Hard Hard Soft Waxy Hard Hard Soft 
Dry film thickness 8 µm 15 µm 25 µm 30 µm 40 µm 35 µm 100 µm 
Penetration Excellent Excellent Good Good Good Excellent N/A – Apply over AV 8 
Water displacement Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A Yes N/A 
Remarks For standard applications For standard applications For movable parts For standard applications Heat resistant For standard applications – fluorescent,
UV-detectable – requires 2 layers

 		Heavy duty, thixotropic 

Application Advice

Ardrox AV CICs are initially applied during the airframe manufacturing process but can be reapplied during the service life of the aircraft at periodic maintenance intervals. Many areas of the airframe will be inaccessible after manufacture until the first “C” or “D” check is done, which usually happens at around about a four year interval. During these overhauls, it is a good opportunity to apply Ardrox AV CICs within the normally hidden areas of the airframe. It must, of course, be applied properly and effectively to achieve the desired level of corrosion inhibition.  

  • Work systematically. Start with the stringers, then the frames, finishing on the remaining general areas. This ensures you do not miss any surfaces.
  • Apply the right film thickness. Too much will lead to pooling on the surface, which should be removed during application. If not enough CIC is applied, penetration effects will be limited.
  • Use the right application equipment. Brush applications of Ardrox CIC should only be used where penetration is not required. Aerosols are also available for touch ups and small applications.
  • Allow penetrating time. Product should be left to penetrate for some time to allow for maximum effectiveness.
  • Remember to mask. Masking critical components is especially important to ensure CIC contamination does not occur.