PPG Industries' (NYSE:PPG) aerospace business has developed a chromate-free sealant for aircraft cockpit windows and canopies that cures in less than half the time of its predecessor with better performance, according to company officials.

PR-1425CF polysulfide sealant is being launched for commercial sale and will be used on PPG Aerospace cockpit windows and canopies manufactured in Huntsville, Ala., and Sylmar, Calif., as well as those made by PPG's Ampaspace subsidiary in Casaletto Vaprio, Italy, according to John Sands, global business platform manager for aerospace sealants.

"For about 30 years, PR-1425 polysulfide has been the benchmark of performance for aircraft cockpit window sealants," Sands said. "We have raised the bar with our new PR-1425CF sealant to combine an environmentally-responsible formulation with rapid curing, improved rain erosion resistance and lower moisture vapor transmission."

Using PR-1425CF sealant enables PPG to supply cockpit windows and canopies with a chromate-free moisture seal having better performance than its predecessor, according to Anthony Stone, global director, new business development, transparencies.

"We consistently tell operators the best way to keep their cockpit windows in top operating condition is by maintaining moisture seals," Stone said. "Now they have a better product that makes that task easier. Because PR-1425CF cures faster, operators will be able to get their aircraft back in the air sooner." The new-generation sealant underwent flight testing on PPG windshields for more than a year in controlled side-by-side studies on aircraft flying in North America.

PR-1425CF sealant is formulated not to craze substances and is designed for use on glass, polycarbonate and acrylic transparencies.

"What better endorsement for the product is there than to be used on PPG's own cockpit windows and canopies?" Sands said.

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world's largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies.