Nanostructured Fog-Free Coating Technology for Transparent Armor Systems

To address the U.S. Army need for antifog coatings on glass and transparent polymer substrates in transparent armor systems for soldiers and armored vehicles, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop new Nanostructured Fog-Free (NOFOG) coating technology. This technology is based on optical fabrication of nanostructured surface relief patterns in highly durable nanoparticle-doped scratch-resistant polymer coatings spray/dip-coated on flat/curved transparent armor substrates. These nanostructured patterns make transparent armor surfaces superhydrophilic (extremely wettable), with a water-coating contact angle of 99% for exceptional visibility. The process can be implemented either by POC or by manufacturers of protective goggles and vehicle transparencies, using modular coating equipment to coat transparent armor substrates at a production cost of a few tens of cents per square inch. In Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of the NOFOG technology by fabricating prototype samples of the coating on glass and polycarbonate substrates and testing them for fogging, visibility, and environmental durability. In Phase II we will optimize the fabrication process for scaled-up implementation to reduce cost, and produce prototype coated vehicle window systems.