Metal Passivization to Resist Corrosion

The Navy currently desires to extend drydocking cycles to 8 years. In order to do this, corrosion must be controlled and mitigated because it is the driving factor behind drydocking requirements. The proposed technology aims to significantly enhance localized corrosion resistance of contained areas of newly built ship structures as well as repair of used vessels. Localized corrosion of painted steel structures often initiates from manufacturing or maintenance irregularities associated with metal joining, cutting or extreme forming. The objective of this project is to develop a special scanning optics that performs metal passivization using laser cleaning, laser cladding and painting of weld zones in one operation. The primary applications will be derived once applicable standards and regulations are determined. The laser cleaning is a dry process complying with environmental regulations. The laser cladding and epoxy granulate based painting result in uniform and long lasting metal passivization. Together with advanced process development and qualification, this will lead to a portable system for use in any U.S. shipyard.