Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Sentecor's proposed Phase I Project will investigate the application of a novel deoxidizing and etching technology to remove soils and metal oxides that have been traditionally removed using hydrofluoric acid (HF). Sentecor's aqueous-based technology has been tested on aluminum, titanium, Inconel and other super alloys with promising results. Application of Sentecor's technology would eliminate the need for HF and eliminate the health risks, environmental risks and corporate/agency liability associated with HF use. Additive Manufacturing (AM) in both the Department of Defense (DoD) and other industries has increased the need for cleaning and etching using HF. Many military and aerospace articles must also be cleaned or deoxidized prior to use or refurbishment. The deoxidizing and etching removes oxides that are brittle and cause fracture, weldability/bonding concerns and the surface roughness associated with AM processes. Sentecor's proposed technology can be utilized and then disposed of into municipal waste streams, a high priority for the EPA and OSHA. This testing will evaluate the suitability of the technology as a cleaner on typical military and aerospace materials such as titanium, and Inconel. Spraying and immersion will be used to determine best method and applicability of these cleaners for structural and AM materials.