Superhydrophobic/hydrophilic Advanced Window System

To address the U.S. Navy need to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of water and ice on the surface of the bridge windows of surface ships, Luminit, LLC proposes to develop a unique SuperHydrophobic/hydrophilic Advanced Window (SHAW) system based on our technology for sol-gel replication technology of 3D nanoscale surface relief moth-eye structures. The nanoparticle-doped moth-eye structure replicated in sol-gel will result in excellent glare reduction and scratch resistance, while the nanostructured surface relief pattern will make the window self-cleaning, anti-fogging, and non-icing. The SHAW system will be manufactured by laminating: glass substrates coated with a superhydrophobic (anti-wetting); a superhydrophilic (anti-fogging) coating; and an index matched indium tin oxide coating as an EMI shield. The standard window lamination process will ensure that SHAW meets or exceeds the requirements for optical qualities, EMI, shock, vibration, and applied static pressure. In Phase I Luminit will develop and demonstrate the feasibility of the SHAW system by coating superhydrophobic/hydrophilic material on glass samples and laminating them together. The laminated samples will be tested to relevant MIL-SPECs for self-cleaning, anti-fogging, scratch resistance, and environmental durability. In Phase II Luminit will optimize the scale-up fabrication process and perform a cost benefit analysis.