Durable Hydrophobic Nanocomposite Insulating Coating for High Voltage VLF/LF Antenna Components

The Fixed Submarine Broadcasting System is a low frequency (LF) and very low frequency (VLF) communication system that provides independent and survivable connectivity to the United States Navy nuclear submarine force. The Navy operates six high powered VLF and seven LF transmitter facilities at different locations around the world. These outdoor transmission antennas operate at extremely high powers generating extremely high electric fields in all environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, and snow). These harsh conditions can lead to the degradation and failure of insulating materials used in the antenna components. Therefore there is an immediate need for a novel surface coating to apply to the insulating materials that would protect them from exposure to all weather conditions and high voltage operation. To this end, Luna Innovations Incorporated and the Georgia Tech Research Institute, propose to develop a mechanically rugged and hydrophobic sol-gel nanocomposite surface coating for common VLF/LF antenna components. Lunas coating solution has the key characteristics necessary for this application: i) insulating, ii) hydrophobic, iii) excellent barrier properties to prevent water or ionic ingress, and iv) high durability to abrasion and weathering. Georgia Tech Research Institutes Electromagnetic Test and Evaluation facility will evaluate Lunas coating under high power/voltage conditions.