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NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
MIL-PRF-23377J
15 April 2005
SUPERSEDING
MIL-PRF-23377H
30 April 2002

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

PRIMER COATINGS: EPOXY, HIGH-SOLIDS

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department
of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers corrosion inhibiting, chemical and solvent resistant,
solvent-borne, high-solids epoxy primer coatings that have a maximum volatile
organic compound (VOC) content of 340 grams per liter (g/L)(2.8 pounds per gallon [lb/gal]).

1.2 Classification. The primer coatings are of the following types and classes, as specified
(see 6.2):

1.2.1 Types. The types of primer coatings are as follows:

 Type I - Standard pigments

 Type II - Low infrared reflective pigments

1.2.2 Classes. The classes of primer coatings are as follows:

Class C1 - Barium chromate based corrosion inhibitors

 Class C2 - Strontium chromate based corrosion inhibitors
 Class N - Non-chromate based corrosion inhibitors

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to: Commander,

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Code 491000B120-3, Highway 547, Lakehurst, NJ
08733-5100 or emailed to thomas.omara@navy.mil. Since contact information can change, you
may want to verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST Online database at
http://assist.daps.dla.mil.
AMSC N/A FSC 8010
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1.3 Part or Identifying Number (PIN). The PINs to be used for primer coatings acquired to
this specification are created as follows:

M23377 - X - XX - XXXX
Specification Type designator Class designator Kit size designator
identifier 1 = Type I (C1, C2 or N) (see 1.3.1)
2 = Type II

1.3.1 Kit size. The primer coatings covered by this specification should be purchased by
volume, the unit being a kit containing two components. The kit component sizes need not be of
the same size. When this part numbering system is used, the kit size is to be identified as:

Kit Size 1/ Kit Size Designator

Less than one pint 2/
4-pint (0.47-liter) 004P
4-quart (0.95-liter) 004Q
4-gallon (3.79-liter) 004G
20-gallon (75.7-liter) 020G

1/ The kit size and its designator may be modified for ease of procurement and is not limited.
2/ Designators for less than pint size kits (small touch-up kits) should be expressed in cubic
centimeters (cc) and should be designated by ““C.”” Example: A type I, class C2, 50 cc kit
shall be designated M23377-1-C2-050C.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of
this specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this
specification or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has
been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must
meet all specified requirements of documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification,
whether or not they are listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications and standards. The following specifications and standards form a part
of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these
documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

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FEDERAL STANDARDS

FED-STD-141 - Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Materials: Methods of

Inspection, Sampling and Testing.
FED-STD-595 - Colors Used in Government Procurement.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-C-5541 - Chemical Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Aluminum

Alloys.
MIL-C-8514 - Coating Compound, Metal Pretreatment, Resin-Acid.
MIL-A-8625 - Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys.
MIL-PRF-23699 - Lubricating Oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base,
NATO Code Number 0-156.
MIL-T-81772 - Thinner, Aircraft Coating.
MIL-PRF-83282 - Hydraulic Fluid, Fire Resistant, Synthetic Hydrocarbon Base,
Metric, NATO Code Number H-537.
MIL-PRF-85285 - Coating: Polyurethane, Aircraft and Support Equipment.

(Copies of these documents are available on line at http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/ or

http://assist.daps.dla.mil or from the Standardization Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins
Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document
to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are
those cited in the solicitation or contract.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) INTERNATIONAL

ASTM-B117 - Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, Operating. (DoD adopted)

ASTM-D1200 - Cup, Viscosity by Ford Viscosity. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D1210 - Fineness Of Dispersion Of Pigment-Vehicle Systems By Hegman-
Type Gage. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D1296 - Solvents and Diluents, Odor of, Volatile. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D1640 - Organic Coating, Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of at Room
Temperature. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D1649 - Pigment, Strontium Chromate.
ASTM-D1849 - Paint, Package Stability of. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D2803 - Metal, Organic Coatings on, Filiform Corrosion Resistance of. (DoD
adopted)
ASTM-D3335 - Lead, Cadmium, and Cobalt in Paint by Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy, Test for Low Concentrations of. (DoD adopted)

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ASTM-D3718 - Paint, Chromium in, by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Low

Concentrations of. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D3742 - Trichloroethane Content 1,1,1, Standard Test Method for.
ASTM-D3924 - Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials, Conditioning and
Testing, Standard Environment for. (DoD adopted)
ASTM-D3960 - Paints and Related Coatings, Determining Volatile Organic Compound
(VOC), Content of. (DoD adopted)

(Copies of these documents are available from www.astm.org or ASTM International, 100
Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY (ASQ)

ASQ-Z1.4 - Procedures, Sampling and Tables for Inspection by

Attributes. (DoD adopted)

(Copies of this document are available from www.asq.org or American Society for
Quality, 600 Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203)

SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE) INTERNATIONAL

SAE-AMS1640 - Compound, Corrosion Removing for Aircraft Surfaces

SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 - Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet. (DoD adopted)
SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/5 - Aluminum Alloy Alclad 2024, Plate and Sheet. (DoD
adopted)

(Copies of these documents are available from www.sae.org or SAE World Headquarters,
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.)

2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and
the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this
document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has
been obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Qualification. The primer coatings furnished under this specification shall be products
that are authorized by the qualifying activity for listing on the applicable qualified products list
before contract award (see 4.2 and 6.3).

3.2 Material. Materials used in the manufacture of the primer coatings supplied under this
specification shall be products conforming to the requirements of this specification.

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3.3 Toxicity. The primer coatings shall have no adverse effect on the health of personnel
when used for its intended purpose and with the precautions listed in 3.11, when evaluated in
accordance with 4.5.12 (see 6.8).

3.4 Composition. The primer coatings shall consist of two components, as follows:

Component A - a base component composed of epoxy resin and solvents

Component B - a curing agent containing polyamide or amine resin and solvents

Component B shall act as the curing agent for component A. The components shall be packaged
separately and furnished as a kit (see 1.3.1). Pigments may be included with either componet.
When the components are mixed in the proportions specified by the manufacturer, a primer
coating meeting the requirements of this specification shall result. Chlorinated solvents, except
for para-chlorotrifluoromethylbenzene or equal, shall be prohibited in the formulation of these
primer coatings. Incidental cadmium and cadmium compounds shall be not greater than one part
per million (ppm). The non-volatile portion shall contain not more than 0.06 percent by weight
of lead metal or lead compounds.

3.4.1 Pigment.

3.4.1.1 Class C1. Coatings containing barium chromate based corrosion inhibitors, along
with extenders and other pigments, shall be identified as class C1.

3.4.1.2 Class C2. Coatings containing strontium chromate conforming to ASTM-D1649 as

the corrosion inhibitor, along with extenders and other pigments, shall be identified as class C2.

3.4.1.3 Class N. Coatings containing non-chromium corrosion inhibitors, along with

extenders and other pigments, shall be identified as class N. Incidental chromium content of
class N shall be not greater than 5 ppm (see 4.5).

3.4.2 Volatile organic compound (VOC) solvent content. The VOC content of admixed
primer coatings shall be not greater than 340 g/L (2.8 lb/gal). The resistivity of the solvents shall
permit application of the coatings by electrostatic spray application (see 4.5).

3.4.2.1 Thinner compatibility. The admixed primer coatings shall be compatible with
thinner conforming to MIL-T-81772, type II (see 6.11).

3.5 Physical properties –– components before mixing.

3.5.1 Fineness of grind. The fineness of grind of the pigmented component shall be 5 or
greater on the Hegman scale (see 4.5).

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3.5.2 Condition in container. Components A and B shall be free of grit, seeds, lumps,
abnormal thickening or livering, and shall not show pigment flotation nor excessive settling.
They shall mix to a smooth, homogeneous, and pourable condition. In addition, the containers
shall exhibit no deformation (see 4.5.1).

3.5.3 Storage stability. The primer coating components, as packaged by the manufacturer,
shall meet all requirements of this specification after storage for not less than one year for metal
containers and six months for plastic containers (see 4.5).

3.5.4 Accelerated storage stability. The primer coatings, as packaged by the manufacturer,
shall meet all requirements of this specification after storage for 14 days (see 4.5.2). The
container shall not become deformed or the lid shall not become unsealed during the storage
period.

3.6 Physical properties - admixed components.

3.6.1 Color.

3.6.1.1 Type I. The color of the admixed type I primer coatings shall be the natural color of
the corrosion inhibiting pigments used, except that tinting to a darker shade is permitted.

3.6.1.2 Type II. The color of the admixed type II primer coatings shall be dark green or
gray.

3.6.2 Odor. The odor of the admixed coatings, wet or dry, shall be characteristic of the
solvents used (see 4.5).

3.6.3 Viscosity. Immediately after mixing components A and B, the maximum viscosity of
the unthinned, admixed primer coatings shall be 40 seconds through a #4 Ford cup (see 4.5).

3.6.4 Pot life. After mixing and storage at room temperature in a closed container (see 4.5)
for 4 hours, the maximum viscosity of the unthinned primer coatings (see 3.6.3) shall be 70
seconds through a #4 Ford cup (see 4.5).

3.7 Physical properties - film.

3.7.1 Surface appearance. The admixed primer coatings, applied to a vertical surface, shall
not sag, run, or streak. The dried film shall have a smooth, uniform surface free of grit, seeds,
craters, blisters, and other irregularities (see 4.4.1). No orange peel (wavy appearance) shall be
evident when viewed from at least six feet away.

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3.7.2 Drying time. The admixed primer coatings shall be tack free within 5 hours and shall
dry hard within 8 hours (see table II).

3.7.3 Lifting. There shall be no evidence of lifting or any other film irregularity after
topcoating the admixed primer coatings that have air dried for 5 hours (see 4.5.3).

3.7.4 Adhesion. The primer coatings shall not peel when tested in accordance with 4.5.4.

3.7.5 Flexibility. The primer coatings shall exhibit an elongation of not less than 10 percent
when tested in accordance with 4.5.5.

3.7.6 Infrared reflectance (type II primer coatings only). The total reflectance (specular and
diffuse) of the type II primer coatings, relative to barium sulfate, shall be not greater than ten
percent throughout the range of 700 to 2,600 nanometers (nm) (see 4.5.6).

3.8 Resistance properties.

3.8.1 Water resistance. The topcoated primer coatings shall withstand immersion in
distilled water maintained at 49 ± 3 °C (120 ± 5 °F) for 4 days without exhibiting any evidence of
wrinkling, blistering, or any other coating deficiency (see 4.5.7).

3.8.2 Corrosion resistance.

3.8.2.1 Salt spray. The primer coatings, with and without a topcoat, shall not exhibit
blistering, lifting of either coating, nor substrate pitting after exposure to a 5 percent salt spray for
2,000 hours. Class C1 and C2 primers shall exhibit no corrosion in the scribe (see 4.5.8.1).

3.8.2.2 Filiform. The topcoated primer coatings shall not exhibit filiform corrosion
extending beyond 6.35 millimeters (mm) (0.25 inch) from the scribe, and the majority of the
filaments shall be less than 3.175 mm (0.125 inch) in length (see 4.5.8.2).

3.8.3 Solvent resistance (cure). The primer coatings shall withstand 50 passes (25 back and
forth rubs) by a cloth rag soaked in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Rubbing through to bare
substrate constitutes failure of the primer coatings to properly cure (see 4.5.9).

3.8.4 Fluid resistance. The primer coatings shall withstand immersion for 24 hours in
synthetic lubricating oil conforming to MIL-PRF-23699, and synthetic hydraulic fluid
conforming to MIL-PRF-83282. Four hours after removal from the respective fluid, the coatings
shall not exhibit any softening, blistering, loss of adhesion, nor any other coating deficiency.
Discoloration of the coatings is acceptable and shall not be cause for rejection (see 4.5.10).

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3.9 Working properties.

3.9.1 Mixing and dilution. The components of the primer coatings, including thinner if
required (see 6.11), shall homogeneously blend when mixed by a mechanical mixer in the
volume mixing ratio specified by the manufacturer. Within one hour of mixing, the admixed
coatings shall not separate into visually distinct layers (see 4.5.11.1).

3.9.2 Application. The admixed primer coatings shall be capable of being applied by
conventional, airless, high volume/low pressure (HVLP) or electrostatic spray equipment.
Application shall yield a uniform film with no runs or sags at a dry-film thickness of
15 to 23 microns (µm) (0.6 to 0.9 mil) (see 4.5.11.2).

3.10 Identification of material. Individual containers greater than one pint and cases of
containers less than one pint shall be identified with the following information:
MIL-PRF-23377J, ““Primer Coatings: Epoxy, High-Solids”” type I or II, class C1, C2,
or N
Component identification (as applicable):
Component A - base component or Component B - curing agent
Manufacturer’’s name and product number
Date of manufacture (month/year)
Batch number/net contents
VOC content in grams/liter
Mixing and thinning instructions
3.10.1 Component containers. Component A and component B containers shall have the
following warning:
““WARNING! FLAMMABLE.””
3.11 Precaution sheet. A printed precaution sheet with the following information shall be
included with each kit:
PRECAUTIONS
a. The surface to be coated must be clean (free of oil, dust, etc.).
b. Spray equipment must be adequately grounded. Clean equipment immediately after use
with thinner conforming to MIL-T-81772, type II.
c. Mix only the amount of primer coating to be used within 4 hours.
d. Always add component B to component A –– NEVER THE REVERSE.
e. Never mix coating or individual component from one vendor with that of another
vendor.
f. Apply over pretreated metal. On fiberglass-reinforced plastic, a prior coating of wash
primer in accordance with MIL-C-8514 will facilitate stripping without damage to the
fiberglass.

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4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are

classified as follows:

a. Qualification inspection (see 4.2).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.3).

4.2 Qualification inspection. Qualification inspection shall consist of all the inspections
listed in this specification. The qualification test sample shall consist of not less than one quart
of each component of the primer coating. The samples shall be legibly identified (see 6.3.1.1).

4.3 Conformance inspection. The conformance inspection shall consist of all the tests
specified in 4.5, with the exception of storage stability (see table II), accelerated storage stability
(see 4.5.2), corrosion resistance (see 4.5.8), and toxicity (4.5.12). There shall be no failures (see
6.5).

4.3.1 Primer coating test samples. Samples for tests shall consist of one complete unopened
kit selected at random from each batch (see 6.6). Containers shall only be opened when being
tested.

4.3.2 Visual inspection of filled containers. Samples shall be selected at random from each
lot (see 6.6) in accordance with ASQ-Z1.4, inspection level S-2. The lot size for this inspection
shall be the number of kits fully prepared for delivery. The selected samples shall be examined
for container fill, and completion of item identification (see 3.10), warning statements (see
3.10.1), and the precaution sheet (see 3.11). There shall be no defects (see 6.5).

4.4 Test panels. Test panels shall be prepared under laboratory conditions (see 4.5). Test
panels shall be constructed of aluminum alloy. Alloy composition and pretreatments of test
panels shall be in accordance with table I. Unless otherwise specified in the test method, the
primer coatings shall be applied in accordance with 4.4.1 and the topcoat, when required, shall be
applied in accordance with 4.4.2.

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TABLE I. Aluminum test panels.

Panel Substrate Pretreatment

A SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 (T3 temper) MIL-C-5541, class 1A (conversion coating)
B SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/4 (0 temper) MIL-A-8625, type I or IC (anodize)
C SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/5 (T3 temper) Deoxidized 1/
D SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/5 (T3 temper) MIL-C-5541, class 1A (conversion coating)
1/ Immerse test panel for 2 minutes in corrosion removing compound conforming to
SAE-AMS1640, then remove test panel and rinse with distilled water. Apply the primer
coating within one hour.

4.4.1 Application of primer coatings. When required by the test method, the primer
coatings shall be prepared and applied as follows:

a. Thoroughly mix each component separately.

b. Slowly pour component B into component A while stirring the mixture to achieve the
manufacturer's specified volume mixing ratio.
c. Dilute the admixed primer coating, if necessary, with thinner conforming to
MIL-T-81772, type II. If dilution of the primer coating is required, do not exceed
340 g/L (2.8 lb/gal) (see 6.11).
d. Allow admixed coating to stand undisturbed for 30 minutes prior to use, unless the
manufacturer’’s directions state otherwise.
e. Spray the test panels with primer coating to a dry-film thickness of 15 to 23 µm (0.6 to
0.9 mil).

If a topcoat is not used, the primer coatings shall be allowed to air dry for not less than 14 days,
or air dry for not less than one hour followed by 24 hours at 65.5 ± 3 °C (150 ± 5 °F) prior to
testing. If a topcoat is required, the primer coatings shall be air-dried for 5 hours and then coated
with a polyurethane coating conforming to MIL-PRF-85285 in accordance with 4.4.2.

4.4.2 Application of topcoat. When a topcoat is required by the test method, mix
polyurethane coating conforming to MIL-PRF-85285 (untinted gloss white conforming to
FED-STD-595, color number 17925) adding thinner, if required, and allow it to stand 30 minutes
prior to application. Apply the coating to a total dry-film thickness of 43 to 58 µm
(1.7 to 2.3 mils). If applied in two coats, allow the first coat to air dry for 60 minutes prior to
application of the second coat. After application of the topcoat to the required thickness and
prior to testing, allow the coating to air dry for not less than 14 days or allow the coating to air
dry for one hour followed by 24 hours at 65.5 ± 3 °C (150 ± 5 °F).

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4.5 Test methods. The tests of this specification shall be conducted in accordance with
table II and 4.5.1 through 4.5.12. Unless otherwise specified in the test method or paragraph,
laboratory test conditions shall be in accordance with ASTM-D3924. Room temperature
conditions shall be 18 to 29.5 qC (65 to 85 qF) and a relative humidity of 50 r 10 percent.

TABLE II. Test methods.

Test Requirement Test FED-STD-141 ASTM Test

Paragraph Paragraph Test Method Method
Lead and cadmium content 3.4 --- --- ASTM-D3335
Chlorinated solvent content 3.4 --- --- ASTM-D3742
Chromium content (class N only) 3.4.1.3 --- --- ASTM-D3718
VOC solvent content 3.4.2 --- --- ASTM-D3960
Fineness of grind 3.5.1 --- --- ASTM-D1210
Condition in container 3.5.2 4.5.1 --- ---
Storage stability 1/ 3.5.3 --- 3022 ---
Accelerated storage stability 2/ 3.5.4 4.5.2 --- ASTM-D1849
Odor 3.6.2 --- --- ASTM-D1296
Viscosity 3.6.3 --- --- ASTM-D1200
Pot life 3.6.4 --- --- ASTM-D1200
Surface appearance 3.7.1 4.4.1 --- ---
Drying time 3/ 3.7.2 --- --- ASTM-D1640
Lifting 3.7.3 4.5.3 --- ---
Adhesion 3.7.4 4.5.4 --- ---
Flexibility 3.7.5 4.5.5 --- ---
Infrared reflectance (type II only) 3.7.6 4.5.6 --- ---
Water resistance 3.8.1 4.5.7 --- ---
Salt-spray corrosion resistance 3.8.2.1 4.5.8.1 --- ---
Filiform corrosion resistance 3.8.2.2 4.5.8.2 --- ---
Solvent resistance (cure) 3.8.3 4.5.9 --- ---
Fluid resistance 3.8.4 4.5.10 --- ---
Mixing and dilution 3.9.1 4.5.11.1 --- ---
Application 3.9.2 4.5.11.2 --- ---
Toxicity 3.3 4.5.12 --- ---
1/ The daily ambient air temperature at the storage location shall be within the range of
1.7 to 46 °C (35 to 115 °F).
2/ The primer coatings shall be mixed with a mechanical shaker for 10 minutes instead of 300
stirs in 2 minutes.
3/ Use panels designated A in table I.

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4.5.1 Condition in container. Each component in its unopened container shall stand without
agitation for not less than 14 days at room temperature (see 4.5). After this period, the containers
shall be examined for bulging or other deformation due to internal pressure. Each component
container shall be opened and examined, then mixed by hand vigorously stirring with a paddle
for not more than 5 minutes, and examined for conformance to 3.5.2.

4.5.2 Accelerated storage stability. Not less than one full, unopened, sealed container of
each component shall be stored undisturbed for not less than 14 consecutive days in a location
maintained at 60 r3 qC (140 r5 qF). At the end of 14 days, the container(s) shall be allowed to
cool to room temperature (see 4.5). During the storage period, it is advised that the unopened
containers be placed in larger, vented containers to confine any splash that may occur if the lid of
the unopened container is blown off by gassing. If, upon removal, the unopened container is
deformed, do not open. If the container is not deformed, open carefully and examine its contents
for conformance to 3.5.4.

4.5.3 Lifting. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated A (see table I)
in accordance with 4.4.1. Panels shall air dry for 5 hours and then be topcoated in accordance
with 4.4.2. Examine for conformance to 3.7.3 during and after the drying of the topcoat.

4.5.4 Adhesion. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated C (see
table I) in accordance with 4.4.1. The test panels shall be immersed in distilled water for not less
than 24 hours at room temperature (see 4.5). After removal, the panels shall be dried with
absorbent paper tissue and within 3 minutes after removal from the water, be tested in
accordance with FED-STD-141, Method 6301, for conformance to 3.7.4.

4.5.5 Flexibility. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated B (see
table I) in accordance with 4.4.1. The flexibility of the coatings shall then be tested at the room
temperature and relative humidity conditions as specified in 4.5, using a Gardco GE Universal
Impact Tester, Model #172 or equivalent as approved by the qualifying activity (see 6.7), using a
specialized impacter that weighs 3.6 lb and has formed four convex spherical segments on each
end, each of different radii and extension. Place the coated panel, film side downward, on the
rubber pad at the bottom of the impacter guide. Drop the impacter on the panel through the
impacter guide, ensuring that the impression of the entire rim of the impacter is made in the
panel. Reverse the impacter ends and drop it through the guide on the panel adjacent to the first
area of impact. Using 10 power magnification, examine for conformance to 3.7.5; observe the
percent elongation corresponding to the largest spherical impression at which no cracking occurs.

4.5.6 Infrared reflectance (type II primer coatings only). The type II primer coatings shall
be applied to test panels designated A (see table I) in accordance with 4.4.1. The total reflectance
(specular and diffuse) of the primer coatings relative to barium sulfate shall be measured using a
near infrared spectrophotometer over a range of 700 to 2,600 nm. Examine for conformance to
3.7.6.

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4.5.7 Water resistance. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated A
(see table I) in accordance with 4.4.1 and topcoated in accordance with 4.4.2. The coated test
panels shall then be completely immersed in distilled water maintained at 49 r 3 qC (120 r 5 qF)
for four days. Two hours after removal from the water, the coatings shall be examined for
conformance to 3.8.1.

4.5.8 Corrosion resistance.

4.5.8.1 Salt spray. Test panels designated A (see table I) shall be prepared with primer
coating (see 4.4.1). One half of the primer coated panels shall be topcoated (see 4.4.2). Two
intersecting lines shall be scribed diagonally across the coated surface of each panel, exposing the
bare substrate. The test panels shall then be placed in a 5 percent salt-spray cabinet for 2,000
hours in accordance with ASTM-B117. After removal, the test panels shall be examined for
conformance to 3.8.2.1.

4.5.8.2 Filiform. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated D (see
table I) in accordance with 4.4.1 and topcoated in accordance with 4.4.2. Two intersecting
lines shall be scribed diagonally across the coated surface of the test panels, exposing the
bare substrate. The test panels shall then be placed vertically in a desiccator containing 12
Normal (N) HCl for 1 hour at room temperature (see 4.5). Within 5 minutes of removal from
the desiccator, the test panels shall be placed in a humidity cabinet maintained at
40 r 2 qC (104 r 3 qF) and relative humidity of 80 r 5 percent for 1,000 hours. The test panels
shall then be examined for conformance to 3.8.2.2. Filiform corrosion appears as threadlike
filaments initiating from the exposed substrate and spreading underneath the coating film. (A
description of filiform growth is described in ASTM-D2803.)

4.5.9 Solvent resistance (cure). The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels
designated A (see table I) in accordance with 4.4.1. The primer coatings shall then be examined
for cure, as follows:

a. Soak a cotton terry cloth rag in MEK solvent (see 6.9).

b. Rub the coating with the soaked rag for 50 passes (25 back and forth rubs) with firm
finger pressure.
c. Examine coating for conformance to 3.8.3.

4.5.10 Fluid resistance. The primer coatings shall be applied to test panels designated A
(see table I) in accordance with 4.4.1. The test panels shall then be separately immersed to half
their length for 24 hours in glass covered beakers containing the following liquids:

a. Lubricating oil conforming to MIL-PRF-23699, maintained at 121 r 3 qC

(250 r 5 qF);
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b. Hydraulic fluid conforming to MIL-PRF-83282, maintained at 65.5 r 3 qC

(150 r 5 qF).

After removal from the test fluids, cool the test panels to room temperature (see 4.5) and examine
for conformance to 3.8.4.

4.5.11 Working properties.

4.5.11.1 Mixing and dilution. Thoroughly mix each component separately. Slowly pour
component B into component A, while constantly stirring, until the manufacturer's specified
volume mixing ratio is achieved. If necessary, dilute the admixed primer coating with thinner
conforming to MIL-T-81772, type II (see 6.11). Stir well and allow coating to dwell for 30
minutes. Examine for conformance to 3.9.1.

4.5.11.2 Application. Using conventional, airless, high volume/low pressure (HVLP), or

electrostatic spray equipment, apply the primer coating to test panels to a dry film thickness of
15 to 23 Pm (0.6 to 0.9 mil) in accordance with 4.4.1. Examine for conformance to 3.7.1 and
3.9.2.

4.5.12 Toxicity. The product shall be evaluated by the Navy Environmental Health Center
(NAVENVIRHLTHCEN) using the administrative Health Hazard Assessment (HHA) (see 6.8).

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as specified
in the contract or order (see 6.2). When actual packaging of materiel is to be performed by DoD
or in-house contractor personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging
activity to ascertain packaging requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the
Inventory Control Point’’s packaging activities within the Military Service or Defense Agency, or
within the military service’’s system commands. Packaging data retrieval is available from the
managing Military Department’’s or Defense Agency’’s automated packaging files, CD-ROM
products, or by contacting the responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature which may be helpful,
but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. The materials covered by this specification are low VOC, corrosion-
inhibitive, chemical resistant, and strippable primer coatings. These primer coatings are
formulated for the unique performance requirements of military aircraft. These requirements
include adhesion to a wide variety of metals and composites, flexibility to withstand tactical
maneuvers at low temperatures, corrosion resistance in a marine environment, resistance to
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leaking aircraft fluids, and low-infrared reflectance for stealth in combat. Type I is for general
use. Type II is for use where low infrared reflectance is required. Unless a specific type or class
is referenced in a contract or order, type I, class C2 is the default reference. The non-chromated
(class N) primer coatings are for use where federal, state, or local regulations restrict the use of
chromate based materials. Class N primer coatings may only be used when authorization for
their use is given by the engineering authority for the system or item to which the primer coatings
are to be applied. For users of MIL-PRF-23377F, class 2, high-solids coating, use class C2 of
this document. For users of MIL-PRF-23377G and MIL-PRF-23377H, class C, use class C2 of
this document.

6.1.1 Compatibility. For some applications, and only when authorized by the procuring
activity, MIL-PRF-85582, Primer Coatings: Epoxy, Waterborne, may be substituted for
MIL-PRF-23377. Both MIL-PRF-23377 and MIL-PRF-85582 are compatible with the following
coatings: TT-P-2756, Polyurethane Coating: Self-Priming Topcoat, Low Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC); MIL-PRF-22750, Coating, Epoxy, High-Solids; MIL-C-46168, Coating,
Aliphatic Polyurethane, Chemical Agent Resistant; and MIL-C-53039, Coating, Aliphatic
Polyurethane, Single Component; MIL-PRF-85285 Coating: Polyurethane, Aircraft and Support
Equipment..

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

a. Title, number, and date of the specification.

b. Type and class required (see 1.2)
c. Quantity and kit size identification (see 1.3.1)
d. Packaging requirements (see 5.1)

6.3 Qualification. With respect to products requiring qualification, awards will be made
only for products which are, at the time of award of contract, qualified for inclusion in Qualified
Products List QPL-23377, whether or not such products have actually been so listed by that date.
The attention of the contractors is called to these requirements, and manufacturers are urged to
arrange to have the products that they propose to offer to the Federal Government tested for
qualification in order that they may be eligible to be awarded contracts or orders for the products
covered by this specification. Information pertaining to qualification of products may be
obtained from the Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Code 4.9.7.2,
Building 2188, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1908.

6.3.1 Inspection report and other information. When authorizing the forwarding of
qualification samples, the qualifying activity will request the manufacturer to submit the
qualification inspection sample, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (see 6.8), and a test
report (see 4.2) showing that the material conforms to the requirements of this specification.

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6.3.1.1 Qualification inspection sample identification. Qualification inspection samples are

to be forwarded to the laboratory designated in the letter of authorization (see 6.3) and identified
as follows:

Qualification test samples.

Specification MIL-PRF-23377J, type I or II, class C1, C2, or N (as applicable)
Primer Coatings: Epoxy, High-Solids
Manufacturer's name and product number
Submitted by (name and date) for qualification testing in accordance with authorization
(reference authorizing letter)

6.4 Retention of qualification. To retain qualification approval of products listed on the

Qualified Products List (QPL), the manufacturer will be required to verify by certification to the
qualifying activity that its product(s) comply with the requirements of this specification. Unless
otherwise specified by the qualifying activity, the time of periodic verification by certification
will be in two-year intervals from the date of original qualification. The certification action will
be initiated by the qualifying activity.

6.5 Conformance rejection and retest. Failure in any conformance inspection will result in
the rejection of the batch from which it was obtained and constitutes justification for removal
from the qualified products list. Rejected material cannot be resubmitted for acceptance without
written approval from the qualification activity (see 6.3). The application for resubmission will
contain all details concerning previous rejections and measures taken to correct these
deficiencies.

6.6 Lot and batch formation. A lot shall consist of all of the primer coatings manufactured
at one time from one batch, forming part of one contract or order and submitted for acceptance.
A batch shall consist of all primer coatings manufactured during one continuous operation.

6.7 Impact tester source. An instrument for conducting the flexibility (see 4.5.5) is the
Gardco GE Universal Impact Tester, Model #172, available from the Paul N. Gardner Company,
316 NE First Street, PO Box 10688, Pompano Beach, FL 33061-6688. There may be other
instruments equivalent to this unit.

6.8 Toxicty evaluation. A flowchart for the HHA process can be found as enclosure (1) of
BUMEDINST 6270.8. The HHA is a review of the product based on information submitted by
the manufacturer, to assess health hazards associated with the handling, application, use and
removal of the product. Sufficient data to permit a HHA of the product should be provided by
the manufacturer/distributor to the NAVENVIRHLTHCEN. To obtain current technical
information requirements specified by the NAVENVIRHLTHCEN or any questions concerning
toxicity, information required to conduct a HHA, and requests for a HHA should be addressed to
the Commanding Officer, Navy Environmental Health Center, ATTN: Hazardous Materials
Department, Industrial Hygiene Directorate, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Suite 1100, Portsmouth,
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VA 20378-2103. Upon receipt of the HHA, a copy should be provided to Commander, Naval
Sea Systems Command, ATTN: SEA 05M1, 1333 Isaac Hull Ave., SE, Stop 5133 Washington
Navy Yard, DC 20376-5133.

6.9 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). An MSDS must be prepared and submitted in
accordance with FED-STD-313. The MSDS must also meet the requirements of
29 CFR 1910.1200. The 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires that the MSDS for each hazardous
chemical used in an operation must be readily available to personnel using the material.
Questions pertinent to the effect(s) of these coatings on the health of personnel using them
should be referred by the procuring activity to the appropriate medical service, who will act as its
adviser. Contracting officers will identify the activities requiring copies of the MSDS.

6.10 Safely handling MEK solvent. To minimize exposure to MEK solvent, it is

recommended that personnel conducting the solvent resistance (cure) test (see 4.5.9) wear, as a
minimum, either butyl rubber or Teflon gloves and a National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) approved half-face respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges and
goggles or a full-face respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges.

6.11 Thinning. If it is necessary to add thinner to this coating, use only thinner conforming
to MIL-T-81772, type II. In areas where air quality regulations restrict volatile emissions, do
not add thinner to the primer coating if that addition will raise the VOC content to greater than
340 g/L (2.8 lb/gal).

6.12 Shelf life. This specification covers items where shelf life is a consideration. Specific
shelf-life requirements should be specified in the contract or purchase order. The shelf-life codes
are contained in the Federal Logistics Information System Total Item Record. Additive
information for shelf-life management may be obtained from DoD 4140.27-M Shelf-life
Management Manual, or the designated shelf-life Points of Contact (POC). The POC should be
contacted in the following order: (1) the Inventory Control Points (ICPs), and (2) the DoD
Service and Agency administrators for the DoD Shelf-Life Program. Appropriate POCs for the
DoD Shelf-Life Program can be contacted through the DoD Shelf-Life Management website:
http://www.shelflife.hq.dla.mil/ .

6.12.1 Plastic container touchup kits. It is recommended that the plastic container touchup
kits be shelf-life nonrenewable, or in accordance with DoD 4140.27-M, Type I. Code F.

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6.14 Subject term (key word) listing.

Barium chromate
Chemical resistance
Corrosion inhibitive
Flammable
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Low infrared reflectance
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Strontium chromate

6.15 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to
identify changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army - MR Navy - AS
Navy - AS (Project 8010-0217)
Air Force - 99

Review activities:
Army - AR, AV, EA, MI
Navy - CG, MC, OS, SH
Air Force - 11, 84
Other - DS, GSA/FSS

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this
document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of
the information above using the ASSIST Online database at http://assist.daps.dla.mil..

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