Environmentally Compliant low Observable Coatings

A program to develop infrared transparent binders for optical signature control coatings and low emissivity paints is proposed. In addition to visible and near-infrared transmittance, the binders are chemically tailored to have no significant absorption bands in either the 3-5 m or 8-1 m atmospheric windows, increasing the choice and effectiveness of pigments used for signature control. In Phase I, three novel binders based on aromatic polyamide polymers will be synthesized and characterized. The aromatic stabilization imparts chemical and high temperature stability allowing the binders to meet chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) requirements. Spectral emissivities and complex indices of refraction of the binders will be determined from spectroscopic measurements (0.2-26 m) and resistance to CW-related chemicals evaluated. The relationship between the chemistry and microstructure of binders and the required chemical and electro-optical properties will be established and used as a strategy for further binder development. The binders are synthesized from inexpensive chemicals readily available in bulk quantities and will be formulated as a two-component paint system with minimal solvent requirements and low VOC emission. The Phase II effort would focus on optimizing binder properties, incorporating pigments for low emissivity and visual camouflage, and modeling the optical properties of various pigment and binder combinations. OPTION: None submitted.