Multifunctional Low Observable Transparency Hard Coatings

"This Navy Phase I SBIR program will develop and transition to application molecular self-assembly processing techniques for the manufacturing of mechanically and thermally robust multifunctional hard coatings for LO transparencies, specifically for the JSFsystem. The room temperature and pressure molecular self-assembly process consists of alternate absorption of either noble metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, ligands, polymers, or biomolecules. Molecular self-assembled films can be dipped or sprayedunder ambient conditions to conformally coat surfaces of virtually any size or shape, without the need of vacuum chamber confinement. NanoSonic proposes to utilize a layer-by-layer molecular self-assembly manufacturing approach to conformally depositelectrically conductive, optically transparent and abrasion resistant thin films on optical grade polycarbonate transparencies. During the Phase I program, NanoSonic would work cooperatively with Virginia Tech, Lockheed Martin, and NRL to demonstrate thefeasibility of this fabrication process, to optimize synthetic strategies and to quantify optical and IR reflectivity, mechanical and thermal integrity, and electrical conductivity of these hard coatings. This would enable NanoSonic to upscale the processfor manufacturing. Commercial applications include protective and specialized coatings for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles, coatings for optical components, coatings for polymer