Rapid Low Cost Evaluation of Fiber Coatings

Optical spectroscopy has proved to be successful in many industrial analytical applications. Recent successful application of FTIR spectroscopy to monitoring crystalline structure and delamination indicates that this method can be as successfully implemented to monitor properties of CMCs coatings. Small portable FTIR spectrometers are available from Surface Optics Corporation. It was developed for monitoring thin layers on metallic or plastic substrates. This hardware can be potentially customized for line or on-line monitoring of coatings on CMCs. Surface Optics performed on-line installations of FTIR technology for monitoring coatings in industrial settings, and assisted with implementation of this technology at Government labs. SOC has a long working history with the aviation industry to monitor thin films in applications such as monitoring curing of epoxy coatings, verifying its composition measuring thickness of primer coatings, verifying cleanliness and investigation of coatings failure. The other technology to be evaluated is hyperspectral imaging. Surface Optics is a champion in the development of spectral imaging covering spectral regions from visible to far infrared. The hyperspectral imaging will be evaluated for large scale quick inspection for physical imperfections and potential composition uniformity problems. Surface Optics is teaming up with a composite manufacturer, COI Ceramics, Inc. an ATK Space Systems and Sensors Affiliate represented by Andy Szweda and Curtis Hunkins ((858)621-5742), and military engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney represented by Gregory Hildebrand ((860)565-4003).