Intelligent Coatings for Corrosion Detection Using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC) and Dr. Richard E. Johnson of LeTourneau University proposes to develop a method to encapsulate and embed corrosion sensitive dye molecules into a intelligent aircraft primer coating. We intend to detect the fluorescence changes of dye molecules interaction with corrosion by-products by using frequency domain fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) technology. The system is based upon the determination of the fluorescence lifetime contrast images of the intelligent corrosion by measuring the amplitude and phase shift of the fluorescence emission relative to an amplitude modulated excitation light source, thus avoiding many of the technical difficulties associated with an intensity measurement system. We intend to also investigate and develop an encapsulation method for these dye molecules based upon previous SPEC work in silica-gel technology. SPEC and Dr. Johnson has extensive experience implementing fluorescence lifetime measurement systems and in the development of intelligent coatings. SPEC has manufactured, demonstrated, and delivered a number of corrosion detection and monitoring systems to NASA Langley, US Army Missile Command, and the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division at Patuxent River.