SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal envisions determining the feasibility of using photofabrication technology to produce low cost atmospheric corrosion sensors. Unlike conventional atmospheric corrosion sensors which measure only instantaneous corrosion rate, the proposed sensors will measure both instantaneous and time-averaged corrosion rate. The tentative design of these sensors is very compact, about the size of a postage stamp. The research proposed herein covers both the design and proof of concept testing of the proposed sensors. Metals to be investigated include high strength steel, 1100 aluminum, 7xxx aluminum and zinc.

During Phase I research under US Air Force contract no. F33615-83c-5104, the feasibility of using photofabrication techniques to produce low cost atmospheric corrosion sensors was demonstrated. These sensors are unique in that the same sensor will measure both instantaneous and time averaged corrosion rates using principles that are widely accepted in the corrosion monitoring field. Testing was done in an accelerated atmospheric corrosion test chamber; good agreement was observed between corrosion rates measured by the sensors and those exhibited by weight loss panels which were concurrently exposed. This proposal represents a continuation of that effort with the objectives being to optimize the design and operation of these sensors and to produce several prototype sensors for testing by the project sponsor in typical operating environments.