SBIR-STTR Award

There is a need to incorporate the application of advanced transparent coating materials to reduce the exposure of aircrew cockpit and avionics to EMI and laser energy. Eikos proposes the use of new processes, structures, and materials based on low cost coating technology that exploits inherent advantages of carbon nanotube (CNT) transparent conductive coatings to reduce absorb EMI and reflect specific laser energy. Aircraft windows and canopies will be laminated from several plies of CNT coated sheets on polycarbonate so that the CNT provides EMI shielding, as well as ballistics protection. Some of the plies will also contain a mesostructured coating to reject laser light at specific wavelengths. The use of CNT allows this structure to be durable during manufacturing and use due to the unique open structure of the CNT. Furthermore, electrical and optical properties of these layers are tunable to address a wide range of EMI and laser threats. Eikos is partnered with a major air framer and a major canopy manufacturer to assist with the development of application needs and to provide testing.

Keywords:
Cnt, Optoelectronic, Nanotube, Shield, Emi, Laser, Multilayer,

This program seeks to demonstrate a new EMI/RF control and protective coating technology for aircraft transparencies. This will be accomplished by using carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings as transparent electrodes within multi-layer aircraft canopies, provided by Texstars Inc.. The result of this work is the delivery of several prototype parts to demonstrate integration of this technology into current aircraft platforms. To meet this goal the proposed Phase II program has four main technological objectives: (1) to optimize CNT-binder composite coating layer (Invisicon®) for use as a transparent electrode for EMI/RF dissipation in multi-layer aircraft canopies, (2) to integrate Invisicon® technology into current aircraft canopy processing, (3) to fabricate a subscale prototype multi-layer canopy with an Invisicon® EMI/RF dissipation layer, and (4) to validate performance characteristics through material and device testing. Multi-layered transparencies , with CNT electrode coatings, will posses improved resistance to environmental weathering and greater mitigation of EMI/RF based threats compared to the current state of the art. The proposed approach allows deposition by common atmospheric processing methods that are scalable to coat large areas and complex curvature.

Keywords:
Carbon Nanotubes (Cnt) Emi/Rf Invisicon® Transparent Coatings/Transparencies, Carbon Nanotubes (Cnt) Emi/Rf Invisicon® Transparent Coatings/Transparencies