INTERNAL VERSUS EXTERNAL SENSING FOR ROTARY BLOOD PUMPS

Not Available Heat exchanger seawater inlet pipes and heat exchanger face plates of ships and submarines are susceptible to biofilm formation and growth reducing heat transfer performance. Current remedies include enviromentally harmfull chlorinations and high pressure flushing which is expensive and can damage equipment. Low surface energy, solution processable fluoropolymers offer a viable solution against seawater biofouling. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc.'s organophobicity coupled with an enhanced primer system and solution processability to allow for excellent adhesion. Additionally, these fluroopolymers are abrasion resistant, have excellent tensile strengh, as well as have solubility in selected solvent systems to allow for smooth, ultra thin in situ couatings. These materials show excellent resistance to biological fluids minimizing fouling while the low surface energy allows for excellent fouling release. Phase I activities include coating of metallic substrates and testing for (1) adhesion and continued toughness with immersion, (2) chemical stability and low surface wettability, and (3) biofilm growth and ease of removal. Objectives of Phase I work include the demonstration of good adhesion to metallic substrates, easier removal of foulants, compared to commercial silicones, and maintaining hydrophobicity and chemical stability in seawater.