Ultra Low Areal Density HybridSil Erosion Protective Icephobic Nanocomposites for UAVs

The purpose of this SBIR program is to develop novel, lightweight, hybrid nanocomposites that combine erosion resistance and anti-icing functionality to provide passive anti-icing protection for UAVs. NanoSonic will build on its demonstrated HybridSil Erosion protective, anti-icing appliqus/tapes designed for rotorblades to realize a thin, lightweight, spray applied coating with appropriate functionality and performance for UAVs. NanoSonics HybridSil Erosion has been measured to provide high levels of particle and rain erosion protection, tested up to 7 hrs rain erosion and 100 g/cm2 mass loading angular sand, both at 500 mph, with sample survival following exposure. These coatings have been demonstrated to prevent dynamic ice accretion at temperatures as low as 19 degrees F (-7 degrees C). Application has been demonstrated with excellent performance on 6Al4V Ti, 2024 Al, and glass fiber/epoxy composites. NanoSonics Phase I partner provides pneumatic and electrothermal de-icing systems to a broad range of commercial and DoD platforms and is currently evaluating baseline performance of HybridSil Erosion/Icephobic materials. This prime is specifically interested in thin film, lightweight, anti-icing coatings and will provide immediate transition opportunity for both DoD and commercial applications, working with NanoSonic through this effort with design suggestions and to perform rigorous measurements required for transition to DoD platforms.