Corrosion Protection of High-Value Test & Evaluation Assets

This SBIR Phase II proposal will design and develop a reactive nanofiber based heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) air filter to capture corrosion inducing particulate matter (PM) and dissolved ions present in coastal region air. Nanoparticle-polymer will be combined to produce high surface area reactive nanofiber filtermedia. The performance of media will be tailored by controlling fiber diameter, porosity of the media, pore size, and nanoparticle type and loading. The filtermedia will be characterized for its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, dust holding capacity, and ion exchange capacity. The filter media will be used to assemble prototype high surface area mini-pleat filter. The filter will be tested per American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Mil-Spec Standards. Successful filter design will be tested at test sites to study corrosion, energy, and overall cost reduction. The filter will remove solid particulates and dissolved salt ions from air stream and provide cleaner air under extreme environment. The corrosion inducing salt PM will be removed via mechanical filtration and dissolved salt ions via reactive ion exchange chemistry. Filtration performance, airflow resistance, dust loading, and ion exchange capacity of filter along with energy use and labor cost will allow us to determine life cycle cost of innovative filters in operational environment. Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8303 (1 July 15)