OVERVIEW

eStrip™ blast abrasive products are classified as USAF Type VII starch-g-acrylic medias. Manufactured with a grafted starch-acrylic copolymer, eStrip™ blast abrasives are produced to meet the USAF MIL-P-85891 requirements. eStrip™ expands the scope of military dry stripping applications for both aluminum and composite aircraft structures. While similar to plastic abrasives in many respects, eStrip™ series medias enable a better stripping performance without undue risk of substrate damage. ADM’s starch-g-acrylic products are offered in two versions: eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX. These engineered blast abrasives combine the best features of both plastic and starch abrasives: 1) fast strip rate, 2) low breakdown rate, and 3) low surface effects on aluminum and composites. eStrip™ GPX’s moisture resistance and good flowability allow it to be used in all plastic abrasive blasting systems. Important post-stripping advantages include:
1) eStrip™ GPX high UV fluorescence greatly enhances the ability to detect residual media; and 2) eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX remaining dust/residue can be removed with water to provide a clean, ready to paint surface – no chemicals or chemical wipes required (i.e. MEK solvent wipe is not required).

MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Extensive production experience has shown that a broad particle size range in the working media mix provides eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX’s optimum performance. Operators can manually replenish blast systems with new media (i.e. adding new media to the production mix) on a regular basis. Or, the blast equipment can be designed to replenish automatically at regular intervals. In order to achieve optimum performance, it is recommended that new media be fed into the production mix often and in small amounts.

eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX are ideal for Metal and Composite surfaces

This molecularly engineered starch-g-acrylic media is offered in two different versions. eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX are available in one standard mesh size, 20/50, as specified in the USAF MIL-P-85891 requirement. Product Data Sheets for each media are available.

eStrip™ GP is a wheat starch and acrylic based product which exhibits mechanical and performance properties similar to starch abrasives. It is suitable for metallic and certain composite substrates.

eStrip™ GPX is a hybrid corn starch and acrylic plastic based product which exhibits mechanical properties similar to starch abrasives but performance characteristics similar to Mil Spec approved plastic media. It is suitable for metallic and composite substrates.

PROCESS EQUIPMENT

eStrip™ GPX media can be used in standard, light abrasive, blast equipment. The enhanced flowability, faster stripping rates, and low breakdown make it a simple drop-in replacement for plastic media. eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX can be used in hand-cabinets, blast rooms, and in full-scale (hangar) aircraft depaint operations. ADM/Ogilvie can assist you in equipment selection and specification.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Contaminants from Coatings Removed

The paint or coating material being removed may contain hazardous ingredients such as chromium, lead, or cadmium metals. Since such contaminants become part of the corn polymer media dust waste, the dust waste material may be hazardous to personnel and the environment.

Users should investigate and fully understand the applicable safety regulations and environmental laws concerning dust contamination and exposure. User personnel and the working environment should be protected with the appropriate personnel protection and engineering controls.

Explosibility Data

Independent studies have investigated the ignition properties of eStrip™ starch-g-acrylic medias. These studies show that eStrip™ medias are not explosible. These products cannot be ignited. Only the fine dust produced from the breakdown of these products after blasting is ignitable at a given concentration in the presence of a high-energy source.

The overall conclusion, based on a hazard assessment performed by independent research laboratory (Chilworth Technology Inc), clearly shows that eStrip™ starch-g-acrylic medias and its corresponding dust is less hazardous than Type V plastic media. The equipment recommendations used for light abrasives, such as plastic media, are more than sufficient for the eStrip™ media dry stripping process.

Technical data on the ignition characteristics of eStrip™ GP and eStrip™ GPX medias can be obtained from ADM/Ogilvie upon request.

The information contained herein is correct to the best of our knowledge. The recommendations or suggestions contained in this bulletin are made without guarantee or representation as to results. We suggest that you evaluate these recommendations and suggestions in your own laboratory prior to use. Our responsibility for claims arising from breach of warranty, negligence, or otherwise is limited to the purchase price of the material. Freedom to use any patent owned by ADM or others is not to be inferred for any statement contained herein.

TBGPGPX-VER/02/02

Select ADM Biobased Media Series

EnviroStrip®
 (wheat starch)

EnviroStrip® XL
 (corn hybrid polymer)

eStrip ® GPX
 (starch-g-acrylic)