During a modification programme, the Wing Attachment Fitting (WAF) cadmium-plated steel bolt assemblies from 33 F-16 aircraft were cleaned in a non-approved chemical solution, a paint stripper. This removed much of the cadmium plating, leading to in-service superficial rusting of some bolt ends and nuts. The OEM and chemical manufacturer became concerned about possible hydrogen embrittlement of the bolts owing to exposure to the paint stripper. This paper brings out the detail of investigation carried out.
