Dielectric Mix Ratio Sensor

In the application of the Advanced Special Hull Treatment on submarines, two chemical components are mixed in a desired ratio to obtain a cured polymer. The purpose of this Phase I SBIR program is to establish conditions for maximizing the sensitivity of dielectric measurements to mix ratio for the eventual development of an in-line, real-time dielectric mix ratio sensor, allowing for real-time control of the hull treatment process. The program includes measuring the dielectric properties of the individual components such as dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor as functions of important process variables. Dielectric measurements will subsequently be made on mixed component systems of known mix ratio to establish a calibration curve for mix ratio monitoring. Such an effort would be extended in Phase II to development and integration of sensor technology for in-line mix ratio monitoring.