Multifunctional, Low-Cost, Inorganic Seal Coatings for Radomes

The US Navy and other Department of Defense agencies are facing an urgent need for new and improved radome materials for advanced missile systems. High temperature sealants on radome structures of advanced missile systems is a critical need, since ingress of moisture during missile storage can degrade the electronic components housed within the missile radome. Inorganic coatings are preferred for this application due to their superior barrier properties, chemical resistance, and thermal performance. However, deposition of suitable inorganic coatings with adequate coverage for barrier performance This Phase II SBIR project is focused on enabling a new generation of radomes using a durable inorganic sealant to prevent gas and moisture permeation through the walls of porous ceramic radomes. Cerablak™, an aluminum phosphate based sealant, is derived using a low-cost, easy-to-apply, process that can be readily applied and rapidly transitioned to existing and future missile systems. In addition, the sealant will be stable in the extreme operating conditions of radomes, and will provide secondary advantages such as increased mechanical integrity. Based on, its versatile deposition processes and desirable properties for radomes, Cerablak™ serves as an ideal candidate for enhancement of ceramic radome materials.