INCH-POUND

MIL-PRF-4556F
AMENDMENT 1
16 February 1999

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

COATING KIT, EPOXY, FOR INTERIOR OF STEEL FUEL TANKS

This amendment forms a part of MIL-PRF-4556F, dated 15 December 1998, and is

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

PAGE 2

2.2.1, under Federal Standards: Delete “FED-STD-313 Material Safety Data,

Transportation Data And Disposal Data For Hazardous Materials Furnished To Government
Activities”.

2.2.2: Delete.

PAGE 3

3.1, line 3: Delete “at the time set for opening of bids” and substitute “prior to the award
of a contract”.

3.2.2: Delete.

3.4: Delete first and second sentences and substitute “The coating furnished under this
specification shall be in the form of a kit consisting of component A, a pigmented epoxy resin, and
component B, a clear curing agent”.

3.4.1: Delete.

PAGE 6

4.2.2: Delete

4.3.1: Delete first sentence. After the first word “For” in the second sentence add the
following “routine and”.

4.3.2: Delete first sentence and substitute “The test procedures shall include the tests and
test methods specified in table II”.

AMSC N/A 1 of 2 FSC 8010

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 MIL-PRF-4556F
AMENDMENT 1

PAGE 7

TABLE II, fourth row: Delete row called “pigment analysis”.

4.3.3, line 2: Delete superscript “1”. After the word “thick” insert “(see 6.3.1)”.

4.3.4, line 3: Delete superscript “2”. After the word “hiding” insert “(see 6.3.1)”.

Footnotes 1 and 2, bottom of page: Delete.

PAGE 9

4.3.10.1, line 5: Delete superscript “3”. After the word “shaker” insert the following
“powered by a 1/4 horsepower motor, that operates at an approximate rate of 1350 shakes per
minute”.

Footnote 3, bottom of page: Delete.

PAGE 11

6.3, line 4: Delete “2331” and substitute “231”.

Add as new paragraph:

“6.3.1 Panels and charts. S-36 or equivalent test panels available from the Q Panel
Company in Cleveland, Ohio are acceptable for use in 4.3.3. Form 2A or equivalent black and
white hiding charts available from the Leneta Company in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey are acceptable
for use in 4.3.4.”

6.4, line 2: Delete “at the time set for opening of bids” and substitute “prior to the award
of a contract”.

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army - MR Army - MR
Navy - YD2
(Project 8010-0121)
Review activities:
Army - MI
Navy - AS, CG, SH
GSA/FSS - 10FTE

2
 INCH-POUND

MIL-PRF-4556F
15 December 1998
SUPERSEDING
MIL-C-4556E
14 September 1990

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

COATING KIT, EPOXY, FOR INTERIOR OF STEEL FUEL TANKS

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of

the Department of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers a two-component epoxy coating system for
protecting interior surfaces of steel tanks used for the transportation and
storage of fuels. The coating, furnished as a kit, is lead and chromate free and
has a maximum volatile organic compound (VOC) content of 340 grams/liter.

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 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
documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether or not they are
listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The following specifications,

standards, and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those
listed in the issue of the Department of Defense Index of Specifications and
Standards (DoDISS) and supplement thereto, cited in the solicitation (see 6.2).

SPECIFICATIONS

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MIL-T-83133 Turbine Fuels, Aviation, Kerosene Types, NATO F-34 (JP-8)

and NATO F-35

Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any pertinent data

which may be of use in improving this document should be addressed to: Director,
U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Weapons and Materials Research Directorate,
ATTN: AMSRL-WM-M, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 by using the Standardization
Document Improvement Proposal (DD Form 1426) appearing at the end of this document or
by letter.

AMSC N/A FSC 8010

 MIL-PRF-4556F

STANDARDS

FEDERAL

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

Inspection, Sampling and Testing

FED-STD-313 Material Safety Data, Transportation Data And Disposal

Data For Hazardous Materials Furnished To Government
Activities

FED-STD-595 Colors Used In Government Procurement

(Unless otherwise indicated, copies of the above specifications, standards, and

handbooks are available from the Defense Automated Printing Service (DAPS),
Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.)

2.2.2 Other Government documents, drawings, and publications. The following

other Government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this
document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues
are those cited in the solicitation.

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)

29 CFR Part 1910.1200 Preparation and Submission of Material Safety Data

Sheet

(Application for copies should be addressed to the Superintendent of Documents,

ATTN: New Order, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954.)

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
the documents which are DoD adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS cited
in the solicitation. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of documents not listed
in the DoDISS are the issues of the documents cited in the solicitation (see 6.2).

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

ASTM D562 Consistency of Paints using the Stormer Viscometer (DoD adopted)

ASTM D1640 Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings at Room

Temperature (DoD adopted)

ASTM D1729 Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of

Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials (DoD adopted)

ASTM D2371 Pigment Content of Solvent-Reducible Paints (DoD adopted)

ASTM D2794 Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid

Deformation (Impact) (DoD adopted)

ASTM D3278 Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus

(DoD adopted)

ASTM D3335 Low Concentrations of Lead, Cadmium, and Cobalt in Paint by

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (DoD adopted)

ASTM D3359 Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test (DoD adopted)

ASTM D3960 Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content of Paints

and Related Coatings (DoD adopted)

2
 MIL-PRF-4556F

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for Testing
and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.)

STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING COUNCIL (SSPC)

SSPC-SP5 Surface Preparation Specification No. 5 White Metal Blast

Cleaning

(Application for copies should be addressed to the Steel Structures Painting

Council, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburg, PA 15213.)

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 coatings furnished under this specification shall be

products which are authorized by the qualifying activity for listing on the
applicable Qualified Products List at the time set for opening of bids. Any
change in the formulation of a qualified product will necessitate its
requalification. The material supplied under the contract shall be identical,
within manufacturing tolerance, to the product receiving qualification.

3.2 Materials. Materials used to manufacture these coatings are not limited;
however, the resulting coatings shall conform to the requirements of this
specification.

3.2.1 Toxic products and formulations. The material shall have no adverse effect
on the health of the personnel when used for its intended purpose. Questions
pertinent to this effect shall be referred by the contracting activity to the
appropriate departmental medical service which will act as an advisor to the
contracting agency.

3.2.2 Material safety data sheet. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) shall be
prepared and submitted in acoordance with FED-STD-313 and shall meet the requirements
of 29 CFR Part 1910.1200. When FED-STD-313 is at variance with the CFR, 29 CFR Part
1910.1200 shall take precedence, modify and supplement FED-STD-313. The MSDS shal1
be included with each shipment of the material covered by this specification and
submitted to pertinent Government agencies as stated in FED-STD-313, appendix B.

3.2.3 Prohibited material. The lead content shall not exceed 0.06 percent of the
nonvolatile content. Chromium (hexavalent) compounds shall not be used.

3.3 Color. When tested as specified in 4.3.4, the primer shall be an approximate
match to color number 23594 and the topcoat shall not be darker than color number
27780 of FED-STD-595.

3.4 Composition. The coating kit shall consist of a yellow primer and a white
topcoat. Each shall be furnished in two parts: Compound A, containing pigmented
epoxy resins, and component B, containing the clear curing agent. Mixing four parts
by volume of component A with one part by volume of component B shall produce
products meeting the applicable requirements of this specification (see 6.2).

3.4.1 Pigments. The pigment portion of the primer, component A, shall consist of
titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, and extenders. The pigment portion of the
topcoat, component A, shall consist of titanium dioxide and extenders.

3
 MIL-PRF-4556F

3.4.1.1 Lead and chromate (hexavalent) content. When tested as specified, the
lead content shall not exceed 0.06 percent by weight of the total non-volatile
content and the test for hexavalent chromium shall be negative.

3.4.2 Vehicle.

3.4.2.1 Component A. Component A shall consist of epoxy resins, pigments,

extenders, additives and solvents in any ratio necessary to meet the requirements
of this specification.

3.4.2.2 Component B. Component B shall consist of polyamides, polyamidoamines,

polyamines, and polyamine adducts in any ratio necessary to meet the requirements
of this specification.

3.4.3 Solvents. The coating shall not contain any benzene, chlorinated compounds
or ethylene based glycol ethers and their acetates. Solvents used shall meet the
requirements of 3.2.3.

3.4.4 Volatile organic content (VOC). When tested according to 4.3.2, the
volatile organic content of the mixed coating shall not exceed 340 grams/liter.

3.5 Qualitative Requirements.

3.5.1 Mixed coatinq. The mixed primer and topcoat shall individually conform to
the quantitative requirements of table I when tested as specified in section 4.

TABLE I. Quantitative requirements.

_________________________________________________________________________________
Requirements
Characteristics Minimum Maximum
_________________________________________________________________________________

Total pigment, percent of nonvolatile 60

Viscosity, KU 90

Flash point, °F 95

Dry time
Set-to-touch 5
Dry hard, hours 18
_________________________________________________________________________________

3.6 Qualitative requirements.

3.6.1 Condition in container.

3.6.1.1 Component A. When tested as specified in 4.3.10.1, component A shall be

free from grit, seeds, skins, abnormal thickening, livering or other defects in a
freshly opened container and shall show no more pigment settling or caking than
can be easily and completely reincorporated into a smooth, uniform, homogeneous
state.

3.6.1.2 Component B. When tested as specified in 4.3.10.2, component B shall be

clear and free from sediment and suspended matter. It shall show no livering,
curdling, gelling or skinning in a freshly opened containter.

3.6.2 Storage Stability.

4
 MIL-PRF-4556F

3.6.2.1 Component A. When tested as specified in 4.3.11.1, component A shall

show no skinning, livering, curdling, hard dry caking or tough gummy sediment. It
shall remix readily to a smooth homogeneous state and shall meet all other
requirements of this specification.

3.6.2.2 Component B. When tested as specified in 4.3.11.2, a can of component B

shall be clear and free from sediment and suspended matter. It shall show no
livering, curdling, gelling or skinning in a freshly opened container.

3.6.3 Mixing properties. When tested as specified in 4.3.12, smooth homogeneous

mixtures shall result, and shall be free from grit, seeds, skins or lumps.

3.6.4 Spraying properties. When tested as specified in 4.3.13, the coatings

shall spray satisfactorily in all respects and shall show no running, sagging or
streaking. The dried films shall show no dusting, mottling or color seperation
and shall present a smooth finish free from any defects.

3.6.5 Brushing properties. When tested as specified in 4.3.14, the coatings

shall brush easily. They shall dry to smooth, uniform films free from sags, runs
and streaks.

3.6.6 Knife test. When tested as specified in 4.3.15, the coating shall adhere
tightly to and not flake or crack from the metal surface. The cut shall show
beveled edges and there shall be no delamination between the primer and the
topcoat.

3.6.7 Pot life. When tested as specified in 4.3.16, the viscosity of each
sample, 4 hours after mixing its two components, shall be 100 krebs units (KU)
maximum and it shall meet all of the requirements of 3.6.4.

3.6.8 Fuel and water resistance. When tested as specified in 4.3.17, the panels,
upon removal, shall show no softening or loss of adhesion. A moderate darkening
of the area immersed in JP-8 fuel is acceptable. There shall be no blistering to
a greater extent than three small random blisters. Blister formation within 1/4
inch of the panel edge shall be ignored.

3.6.9 Adhesion. When tested as specified in 4.3.18, both areas of each panel
shall have a rating of 3B or higher. There shall be no evidence of film
separation between primer and topcoat.

3.6.10 Impact resistance. When tested as specified in 4.3.19, the area showing
cracking and a slight loss of adhesion shall be no greater than 15mm diameter.

3.6.11 Identification marking. In addition to the markings specified, all

containers shall be legibly marked or labeled with the following (see 6.2):

CAUTION: The Surgeon General requires airline respirators to be used unless air
sampling shows exposure to be below standards, then either chemical cartridge
respirators or airline respirators are required. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep containers tightly closed. For other
safety recommendations refer to the material safety data sheet.

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Verification alternatives. Alternative test methods, techniques, or

equipment, including the application of statistical process control, tool control,
or cost effective sampling procedures may be proposed by the contractor.
Acceptable alternative verification approaches shall be identified in the
contract.

5
 MIL-PRF-4556F

4.2 Conformance inspection. Conformance inspection for acceptance of material

shall be conducted on a recurring basis and include the examinations and tests
listed below.

4.2.1 Responsibility for compliance. All items shall meet all requirements of
section 3 and 5. The inspection set forth in this specification shall become a
part of the contractor’s overall inspection system or quality program. The
absence of any inspection requirements in the specification shall not relieve the
contractor of the responsibility of assuring that all products or supplies
submitted to the Government for acceptance comply with all requirements of the
contract. Sampling in quality conformance does not authorize submission of known
defective material, either indicated or actual, nor does it commit the Government
to acceptance of defective material.

4.2.2 Material Safety Data Sheet. A material safety data sheet not prepared in
accordance with the FED-STD-313 and 29 CFR Part 1910.1200 shall be cause for
rejection. The contractor shall pack a copy of the MSDS with each shipment of
material.

4.2.3 Sampling, inspection, and testing. Unless otherwise specified, sampling

inspection and testing shall be performed in accordance with FED-STD-141, section 1000.

4.2.4 Classification of tests. Testing under this specification shall be for the
following:

a. Qualification (see 4.2.4.1 and 6.4)

b. Acceptance (see 4.2.4.2)
c. Quality conformance (see 4.2.4.3)

4.2.4.1 Qualification testing. Qualification testing shall be conducted by the

qualifying activity (see 6.4). Qualification inspection shall consist of tests
for all requirements specified in section 3. The results of each test shall be
compared with the applicable requirements in section 3. Failure to conform to any
requirement shall be counted as a defect, and the paint represented by the sample
tested shall not be approved for inclusion in the Qualified Products List (QPL)
under this specification.

4.2.4.2 Acceptance testing. Acceptance testing of individual lots shall consist

of viscosity, fineness of grind, VOC, drying time, condition in container, mixing
properties, spraying properties, percent total pigment and flash points as
specified in section 3.

4.2.4.3 Quality conformance testing. When approved by the cognizant activity,

acceptance of lots for use as a component of an end item shall be based on
conformance with specified requirements for the following characteristics:
condition in container, color, drying time, pot life, adhesion, and fuel and water
resistance as specified in section 3.

4.3 Test methods.

4.3.1 Test conditions. The testing conditions shall be in accordance with

FED-STD-141, section 9 or in accordance with the appropriate ASTM method except as
otherwise specified herein. For referee testing, all test specimens shall be
prepared and tested at a temperature of 20 to 32oC (68 to 90oF) and a relative
humidity of 45-65 percent. Failure of any test result to fall within the ranges
specified in section 3 as applicable, shall constitute failure of the applicable
test.

4.3.2 Test procedures. The following tests (see table II) shall be conducted in
accordance with FED-STD-141, ASTM, or as specified herein. The right is reserved

6
 MIL-PRF-4556F

to make additional tests deemed necessary to determine that the coating meets the
requirments of this specification.

TABLE II. Index.

Test Requirement FED-STD-141

Test Paragraph Paragraph ASTM Method Method
Color 4.3.4 3.3 D1729 -
Pigment content - 3.5.1 D2371 -
Pigment analysis - 3.4.1 D2371 -
Lead content 4.3.5 3.4.1.1 D3335 -
Chromium content 4.3.6 3.4.1.1 - -
Volatile organic - 3.4.4 D3960 -
content
Viscosity 4.3.7 3.5.1 D562 -
Flash point 4.3.8 3.5.1 D3278 -
Drying time 4.3.9 3.5.1 D1640 -
Condition in 4.3.10 3.6.1 - -
container
Storage 4.3.11 3.6.2 - 3011, 4261
stability
Mixing 4.3.12 3.6.3 - 3011, 4261
properties
Spraying 4.3.13 3.6.4 - 4331
properties
Brushing 4.3.14 3.6.5 - 4321
properties
Knife test 4.3.15 3.6.6 - 6304
Pot life 4.3.16 3.6.7 - -
Fuel and water 4.3.17 3.6.8 - -
resistance
Adhesion 4.3.18 3.6.9 - -
Impact resistance 4.3.19 3.6.10 D2794 -
Solvents 4.3.20 3.4.3 - -

4.3.3 Test panels. Except as otherwise specified, test panels shall be cold
rolled steel, SAE 1010 low carbon, 3 by 6 inches, 0.032 inch thick.1 They shall
be abrasive blasted with fresh sand to a smooth uniform appearance in compliance
with SSPC-SP5. Sand blast only the side that has been abrasive ground by the
manufacturer. Sand blast prior to testing only and store in a desiccator.

4.3.4 Color. Mix the components of the primer and the topcoat as specified in 4.3.7
and determine the color in accordance with ASTM D1729 by applying the coatings on
black and white hiding charts2 to full hiding. Allow to air dry for 24 hours and
evaluate for compliance with 3.3.

4.3.5 Lead content. Determine the percent of lead in the primer and the topcoat
by any of the following methods. Mix as specified in 4.3.7 and evaluate for
compliance with 3.4.1.1.

4.3.5.1 Determination of lead by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Determine

percent of lead on the mixed samples in accordance with ASTM D3335.

1
Q Panel Company, Cleveland, OH, S-36 or equivalent.
2
Leneta Company, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, Form 2A or equivalent.

7
 MIL-PRF-4556F

4.3.5.2 Determination of lead by X-ray emission spectroscopy analysis

(alternate method).

4.3.5.2.1 Test panel preparation. Using 100 grams of a known lead free primer
and topcoat, prepare standard aliquots containing 0.00, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09
percent lead metal, based on total nonvolatile paint, by adding calculated amounts
of lead naphthenate of a known lead content. Thoroughly mix the aliquots to
incorporate the lead and draw down the standards and coatings to be tested on
duplicate black and white charts2 using a 0.0020 inch (0.004 inch gap clearance)
film applicator. Air dry for 48 hours under dust free conditions. Cut the
drawdowns into a suitable size and shape to fit the sample holder of the X-ray
fluorescence spectrometer.

4.3.5.2.2 X-ray analytical procedure. Lead content shall be determined using an

X-ray fluorescence spectrometer capable of determining lead content at a minimum
level of 0.03 percent by weight of the total nonvolatile paint. The parameters of
angle, crystal, pulse height selection, counting time, collimator, X-ray tube,
voltage and amperage, shall be established for a wave length dispersive
fluorescence spectrometer according to conventional X-ray analytical procedures.
The analytical line Pb L-Alpha or Pb L-Beta shall be used. To calibrate, place the
known standards in the X-ray unit and measure the count rates of lead, lead
background and the Compton scattered background from the X-ray tube. The ratio R,
of the net lead intensity and Compton scattered background is calculated as
follows:

Ipb - (Ipb background I + Ipb background II)

R = 2
_________________________________________________
Icompton line

Where I = gross intensity, and the background is taken on each side of the Pb
line. Establish a lead calibration curve using these results. Determine the lead
content of the test coatings using the above procedure and calibration curve.
When using an energy dispersive fluorescence spectrometer, it shall be set up in
accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.

4.3.6 Chromium (hexavalent) content.

a. Reagents:
(1) 25 percent aqueous KOH.

b. Procedure:
(1) Add 5 ml of 25 percent aqueous KOH to 1/2 gm of the extracted
pigment contained in a 15 ml centrifuge tube.
(2) Agitate by shaking the tube for a few minutes then centrifuge.
(3) The supernatant liquid should be colorless. A yellow color
indicates the presence of chromate.

4.3.7 Viscosity. Mix four parts, by volume, of component A with one part, by
volume, of the appropriate component B for both primer and topcoat. Allow each
mixture to stand for thirty minutes in sealed containers and measure viscosity
according to ASTM D562. Evaluate for compliance with table I. Make sure that
components of the primer are not mixed with those of the topcoat.

4.3.8 Flash point. Mix samples as specified in 4.3.7 and determine flash points
according to ASTM D3278. Check for compliance with table I.

4.3.9 Drying time. Mix samples as specified in 4.3.7 and prepare drawdowns using
0.004 inch (0.008 inch gap clearance) film applicator on a glass panel and air dry

8
 MIL-PRF-4556F

for the specified time. Check the drying time in accordance with ASTM D1640 and
evaluate for compliance with table I.

4.3.10 Condition in container.

4.3.10.1 Component A. For the primer and the topcoat, determine package
condition of component A in accordance with FED-STD-141, method 3011 and observe
for compliance with 3.6.1.1. Determine pigment settled by proceeding as specified
in FED-STD-141, method 3011, but do not stir. Reseal and then agitate the cans
for 3 minutes on a paint shaker3. On reexamination of the contents, the
disclosure of any gel bodies or undispersed pigment indicates unsatisfactory
settling properties.

4.3.10.2 Component B. For the primer and the topcoat, determine package
condition of component B in accordance with FED-STD-141, method 4261 and observe
for compliance with 3.6.1.2.

4.3.11 Storage stability.

4.3.11.1 Component A. Allow full quart cans of component A, primer and topcoat,
to stand undisturbed for 12 months at 21 to 32oC (70 to 90oF) and then examine the
contents. Evaluate the pigment settling as specified in 4.3.10.1 except agitate
the can for 5 minutes on the paint shaker prior to reexamination. Determine
viscosity and other applicable tests for compliance with 3.6.2.1.

4.3.11.2 Component B. Allow full quart cans of component B, primer and topcoat,
to stand undisturbed for 12 months at 21 to 32oC (70 to 90oF). At the end of this
period, examine the contents in accordance with FED-STD-141, method 4261 for
compliance with 3.6.2.2.

4.3.12 Mixing properties. Thoroughly mix 4 parts, by volume, of each component A

with one part, by volume, of the appropriate component B. Place 150 ml of each
mixed material in separate glass jars. Do not agitate or disturb for 4 hours. At
the end of this period, examine with a spatula for compliance with 3.6.3.

4.3.13 Spraying properties. Mix the components of the primer and the topcoat as
specified in 4.3.7 and spray each separately on steel panels to dry film thickness
of 0.003 to 0.004 inches according to FED-STD-141, method 4331. Allow to air dry
for 24 hours and observe for compliance with 3.6.4.

4.3.14 Brushing properties. Mix the components of the primer and the topcoat as
specified in 4.3.7 and brush each separately on metal panels according to FED-STD-141,
method 4321. Allow to air dry for 24 hours and observe for compliance with 3.6.5.

4.3.15 Knife test. Panels used for this test shall be solvent cleaned and sand
blasted with fresh sand to a smooth uniform appearance in accordance with SSPC-SP5.
Spray the primer, mixed as specified in 4.3.7, on two 3 by 6 inch steel panels (sand
blasted side), to a dry film thickness of 0.003 to 0.004 inches. Air dry the panels
for 24 hours and spray them with the topcoat, mixed as specified in 4.3.7 to a dry
film thickness of 0.003 to 0.004 inches. Total film thickness of the panels should
be 0.006 to 0.008 inches. Air dry the panels for 7 days and perform the knife test
according to FED-STD-141, method 6304 and observe for compliance with 3.6.6.

4.3.16 Pot life. Mix the components of the primer and topcoat as specified in 4.3.7
and allow each to stand undisturbed for 4 hours. Measure viscosity according to
ASTM D562 and evaluate for compliance with 3.6.7.

3
An apparatus of this type, powered by a 1/4 HP motor, operates at a rate of 1350
shakes per minute and is manufactured by Red Devil Tools, Irvington, NJ.

9
 MIL-PRF-4556F

4.3.17 Fuel and water resistance. Panels used for this test shall be solvent
cleaned and sand blasted with fresh sand to a smooth uniform appearance in
accordance with SSPC-SP5. Spray the primer, mixed as specified in 4.3.7, on three
3 by 6 inch steel panels (sand blasted side), to a dry film thickness of 0.003 to
0.004 inches. Air dry the panels for 24 hours and spray them with the topcoat,
mixed as specified in 4.3.7, to a dry film thickness of 0.003 to 0.004 inches.
Total film thickness of the panels should be 0.006 to 0.008 inches. Coat the
backs and edges of these panels in a similar manner. Air dry the panels for 7
days and immerse them in wide mouth glass jars, liter size, each containing 350 ml
of JP-8 fuel conforming to MIL-T-83133 (Jet A-1 may be used in place of JP-8), and
350 ml of distilled water. Seal the jars and place in a water bath maintained at
51 to 53oC (124 to 127oF) for 21 days. At the end of the test period, remove and
examine the panels for compliance with 3.6.8.

4.3.18 Adhesion. Use the panels that have been subjected to the fuel and water
resistance test specified in 4.3.17. Allow to air dry for 24 hours and evaluate for
adhesion according to ASTM D3359, method B. Test areas of each panel that were
exposed to JP-8 fuel and to distilled water. Observe for compliance with 3.6.9.

4.3.19 Impact resistance. Prepare panels as specified in 4.3.15 and test

according to ASTM D2794 using the 0.625 inch hemispherical head steel punch.
Panels shall be subjected to a reverse impact of 10 inch-pounds, with the coating
under test facing away from the punch. Observe for compliance with 3.6.10.

4.3.20 Solvents. The manufacturer shall certify that the coatings contain no
benzene, chlorinated compounds or ethylene based glycol ethers and their acetates.
Nonconformance to 3.4.3 constitutes failure of this requirement.

4.4 Identification marking. Verify the presence of the required markings and
caution notice.

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 personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible
packaging activity to ascertain requisite packaging requirements. Packaging
requirements are maintained by the Inventory Control Point’s packaging activity
within the Military Department or Defense Agency, or within the Military
Department’s System Command. 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 that may be

helpful, but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. The two component epoxy system is military unique to the soldier
in combat (in the field) for refurbishing of combat stored fuels and lubricants. It
is intended for use on sand blasted interior surfaces of mobile and stationary mild
steel cargo tanks and auxiliary handling equipment used for the storage and
transportaion of military fuels and oils without contributing to contamination of the
cargo. It consists of a two-component yellow primer and a two-component white
topcoat, each having a maximun VOC of not more than 2.8 pounds per gallon (340
grams/liter) at application.

10
 MIL-PRF-4556F

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

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

b. Issue of DoDISS to be cited in the solicitation, and if required, the
specific issue of individual documents referenced (see 2.2.1 and 2.3).
c. Kit size (or sizes) required (see 3.4 and 6.3).
d. Specify identification markings and caution notice (see 3.6.11).
e. Packaging requirements (see 5.1).

6.3 Basis of purchase. The coating covered by this specification should be

purchased by volume, the unit being a kit comprised of a primer and a topcoat,
each consisting of one quart of 57.75 cubic inches (component B) and one gallon of
2331 cubic inches (component A).

6.4 Qualification. With respect to products requiring qualification, awards will

be made only for such products which are, at the time set for opening of bids,
qualified for inclusion in the applicable Qualified Products List whether or not
such products have actually been so listed by that date. The attention of
contractor is called to this requirement and manufacturers are urged to arrange to
have the products that they propose to offer to the Government be tested for
qualification in order to be eligible for contracts or product orders covered by
this specification. The activity responsible for Qualified Products List is the
U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, ATTN:
AMSRL-WM-M, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069.

6.5 Coating application. To insure adequate cure, the temperature of the

substrate being coated should be above 10°C (50°F). The pot life of a mixed sample
will be reduced by higher temperatures and increased by lower temperatures. To
avoid solvent entrapment and a subsequent loss of resistance properties, there
should be a minimum of 18 hours drying time between the primer and the topcoat. A
total film thickness should be 0.006 to 0.008 inches.

6.6 Subject term (key word) listing.

Chromate
Lead
Primer
Topcoat
VOC

CONCLUDING MATERIAL

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army - MR Army - MR
Navy - YD2
(Project 8010-0929)

Review activities:
Army - MI
Navy - AS, CG, SH
GSA/FSS - 10FTE

11
 STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL
INSTRUCTIONS
1. The preparing activity must complete blocks 1, 2, 3, and 8. In block 1, both the document number and revision letter should be
given.

2. The submitter of this form must complete blocks 4, 5, 6, and 7.

3. The preparing activity must provide a reply within 30 days from receipt of the form.

NOTE: This form may not be used to request copies of documents, nor to request waivers, or clarification of requirements on current
contracts. Comments submitted on this form do not constitute or imply authorization to waive any portion of the referenced
document(s) or to amend contractual requirements.
1. DOCUMENT NUMBER 2. DOCUMENTDATE (YYMMDD)
I RECOMMEND A CHANGE: MIL-PRF-4556F 981215
3. DOCUMENT TITLE COATING KIT, EPOXY, FOR INTERIOR OF STEEL FUEL TANKS

4. NATURE OF CHANGE
(Identify paragraph number and include proposed rewrite, if possible. Attach extra sheets as needed.)

5. REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

6. SUBMITTER
a. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) b. ORGANIZATION

c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) d. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) 7.DATE SUBMITTED
(1) Commercial (YYMMDD)
(2) AUTOVON
(if applicable)
8. PREPARING ACTIVITY
a. NAME U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY b. TELEPHONE Include Area Code)
(1) Commercial (2) AUTOVON
410-306-0725 458-0725

c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A REPLY WITHIN 45 DAYS, CONTACT:
WEAPONS & MATERIALS RESEARCH DIRECTORATE DEFENSE QUALITY AND STANDARDIZATION OFFICE
ATTN: AMSRL-WM-M 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1403, Falls Church, VA 22401-3466
Telephone (703) 756-2340 AUTOVON 289-2340
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 21005-5069
DD Form 1426, OCT 89 Previous editions are obsolete. 198/290