Self-Assembled Multifunctional Low-Observable Canopy Coatings

The proposed Phase II program will develop and transition to application electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processing techniques for the manufacture of robust coatings for low-observable aircraft canopies, specifically the F-22 system. The roomtemperature and pressure ESA coating process consists of alternate adsorption of anionic and cationic molecules from water solutions to form multilayer coatings monolayer-by-monolayer. Selection of the molecules in each monolayer, and the order of themonolayers through the coating, allows excellent control, combination and grading of multiple properties, including electrical conductivity, dielectric constant and loss tangent, thickness, optical transmissivity, abrasion resistance, thermal robustness,and electric field-controlled properties. ESA films may be dipped or sprayed under ambient conditions to conformally coat surfaces of virtually any size or shape, without the need for vacuum chamber confinement. The Phase I program has demonstrated thefeasibility of synthesizing conformal multilayer coatings possessing the primary functionality target, electrical conductivity. Phase II will build directly on these positive results to optimize additional electromagnetic, optical, and durability coatingcharacteristics, and to upscale coating synthesis in size and speed in preparation for transition from R&D to manufacturing capability. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics will serve as Phase II subcontractor. NanoSonic personnel are capable of performinggovernment classified work