Multifunctional Erosion Resistant Icephobic Appliques for Rotorblades

The overall objective of this NASA SBIR program is to develop technology enablers for NASA's rotorcraft vision to facilitate rotorcraft operation in all weather environments. Specifically, NanoSonic will build on its successful completion of Phase I objectives and first generation test article demonstration to optimize, scale up, and qualify high performance, multifunctional, nanostructured, icephobic appliqués with enhanced erosion resistance for rotorblade leading edges. Reliable all-weather service has specifically been identified as one of the barriers to achieving NASA's rotorcraft vision. To truly revolutionize air transportation mobility, rotorcraft must be able to operate in similar environments to current fixed wing vehicles – including environmental conditions in which icing may occur. NanoSonic's multifunctional appliqués will help to enable NASA's rotorcraft vision by completely preventing ice buildup on rotorblades. Implementation of NanoSonic's erosion resistant hydrophobic appliqués will facilitate mission critical operations in icing conditions and mitigate concerns of vibration transmission and shudder that are associated with ice buildup. NanoSonic's appliqués integrate erosion resistant nanocomposites, enhancing rotorcraft operation in high erosion environments. Maintenance and associated costs are reduced, as a new appliqué can be readily placed on the rotorblade leading edge when the existing appliqué has exhausted its functionality.