Technical data

APPENDIX A
SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION PROCEDURES
A.1 GENERAL TESTING PROCEDURES.
WR-ALC/MXRE is the AF executive agent for the Shelf-Life
Extension Data (SLED) program, reference AFMAN 23-110.
The SLED program is managed by WR-ALC/MXRE at
Robins AFB, GA (HQ USAF/SLED; DSN 468-0464, COM
[phone] or FAX [phone] or FAX DSN
468-0464. Under their authority the following test procedures
are provided for the testing of the most commonly used
coatings in this technical order under the 8010 NSC.
a. These procedures are authorized for use to supplement
the test requirements of AFMAN 23-110 and the SLED
program for MIL-PRF-23377, TT-P-2760, MIL-PRF-
85582, and MIL-PRF-85285. When any of the above
materials have reached their established shelf-life they
must be tested per the requirements of AFMAN 23-110
at AFMC Laboratories, commercial laboratories or at
bases with the means to test these materials using the
procedures established here.
b. The information contained in the SLED program is
advisory in nature; however, it may be used to assist in
the management of shelf-life extension for MIL-PRF-
23377, TT-P-2760, MIL-PRF-85582, MIL-PRF-85285
(and other 80 FSG materials not discussed here, refer-
ence AFMAN 23-110). This information may be used to
extend the inspection and test date for material under the
same NSN and manufacturer’s batch and lot number.
Additionally, condemning material shall be per the
requirements of AFMAN 23-110 or results of testing of
local stocks, either by a laboratory or the tests provided
here.
c. Testing shall be accomplished on or before the initial
expiration date and on or before each extension expira-
tion date. Initial shelf life extensions is for full period of
the original shelf-life (i.e. Original shelf-life one year,
initial extension one year). Subsequent shelf-life exten-
sions will be for one-half of the original assigned
shelf-life (i.e. Original shelf-life one year, second and
subsequent shelf-life extensions will be for six months).
Reference AFMAN 23-110, Volume 7, Part 3, Chapter 1
for further instruction. This is the maximum allowable
update for each retest.
d. To perform base level tests where laboratories are not
available or sending the material for laboratory testing is
not economically feasible, the following are necessary:
an approved paint spray booth, disposable volume
measuring containers either fluid ounces or milliliters
(these may be available from medical organizations), a
powered stirring device of 140 RPM, and either No. 2
Zahn or No. 4 Ford viscosity measuring cup. Each
material must be accurately mixed and sprayed on test
panels to perform the test. Each coating must be
evaluated for its condition in the container, viscosity, pot
life, curing (drying) time, and surface appearance.
e. These materials chemically react when mixed, and they
are temperature sensitive. The coating components must
always be allowed to warm to room temperature for up
to 24 hours, as necessary. Tests shall not be performed at
temperatures below 70° F or above 80° F as the
temperature will impact viscosity, pot life and curing
time. The components must be mixed accurately. When
the manufacturer’s instructions are to mix by ratio, such
as 3 to 1 (3 parts component A to 1 part component B)
and the quantity to be mixed for testing is 16 fluid
ounces, mix 12 fluid ounces of part A to 4 fluid ounces
of part B. Manufacturer’s instructions for mixing ratios
of these materials is always by volume and not by
weight; therefore, quantities to be measured for mixing
can always be determined by using disposable measur-
ing cups.
A.2 MIL-PRF-23377 EPOXY PRIMER.
A.2.1 Condition in the container. Using a kit of mate-
rial from each batch or lot number to be tested, allow both
components A and B to stand until reaching room tempera-
ture, and open each container and examine. Mix each
component vigorously by hand (using a paddle) or with a
mechanical shaker. Each component shall be capable of being
mixed within 5 minutes. Each component shall be smooth,
homogenous, and pourable. The material shall be free of grit,
skins, seeds, lumps, abnormal thickening, or livering. In
addition, it will reincorporate into a smooth, homogeneous
state by mixing with a hand paddle without exhibiting
pigment flotation or excessive settling. The containers shall
not exhibit deformation due to internal pressure.
A.2.2 Viscosity and Pot Life. To test the viscosity and
pot life, mix an adequate quantity of the primer per the
manufacturer’s instructions (measuring each component).
Check viscosity of the unthinned coating with either a No. 2
Zahn or No.. 4 Ford cup for conformance with the maximum
viscosity ratings given in Table A-1 at the times specified in
the table.
A.2.3 Drying Time. Mix an adequate quantity of the
coating for spray application of test panels per the manufac-
turer’s instructions (measuring each component), and spray
the primer on the test panels. Test panels shall be aluminum
measuring approximately 3 in x 6 in. The primer coating shall
be set-to-touch (when touched, no material transfers to finger)
TO 1-1-8
Change 3 A-1