ITO Repair on Transparencies

ABSTRACT: There is a critical need for rapid flight line repair of scratches in Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) -coated transparencies. While ITO meets current requirements for conductivity and transparency, it is easily damaged and has deposition techniques that are incompatible with depot conditions. Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc. proposes an improved transparent patch that would offer an Indium-free highly conductive coating with enhanced adhesion performance relative to existing methods. The patch utilizes the Eclipse Transparent Electrical Conductor (EclipseTEC), an optically tailorable thin film coating system that possesses metal-like conductivity with glass-like transparency in the visible region. An edge sealing process with optically clear adhesive protects the seams of the patch from curling and peeling off during the rigors of flight, providing a more durable repair and reduces maintenance costs, a highly tailorable design, with visible transmission designs from ~90% to 75% and sheet resistance ~2 to 10 ohms/sq. The primary objective of the Phase I program is the fabrication and evaluation of Indium-free transparent conductive patches for the repair of damaged ITO on aircraft transparencies that reduce maintenance overhead relative to current solutions. BENEFIT: Eclipse is proposing the use of a flexible transparent electrical conductor (EclipseTEC) to repair damaged or defect-laden ITO transparencies and windows. EclipseTEC will be available as a flexible film that can be affixed to the surface of the transparency via polymer adhesive. This product will meet the needs of the Air Force by permitting an approach to canopy and window repair that will not require removal of the damaged ITO prior to refurbishment as the index of refraction of the film will be amenable to tailoring depending upon the substrate. IDTechEx has indicated that the market for transparent conducting film and glass will reach $6.3 B by 2024. Replacements for ITO are expected to reach $690 M by 2016. This market is expected to top $1.8 B by 2024. These conductive coatings find use in lighting, display, industrial, medical, aerospace, and military applications. Military uses of transparent conductive coatings extend from Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding to de-icing and conformal, flexible displays.