SBIR-STTR Award

Modern military aircraft utilize thin resistive films on many surfaces to meet specific electromagnetic design requirements. However, currently available films, such as those based on metalized or carbon black filled polymers, fall short in offering the desired combination of durability, electrical resistance control, and substrate matching. To overcome the inherent design constraints imposed by the current technology, Eikos Inc. proposes to develop new carbon nanotube based thin resistive films. Rooted in our commercial Invisicon carbon nanotube transparent conductive coatings, this technology will enable the desired resistance tailoring, durability; and is adaptable to numerous substrate types and shapes. Rapid transition of this technology into legacy platforms is ensured since only traditional processing methods are employed. The Phase I program will demonstrate the ability of Invisicon based coatings to impart the required electrical performance to a variety of substrates while providing unmatched durability. The program also includes demonstration of tailorability of resistivity to 3D requirements.

Benefit:
The development of durable thin resistive films will improve both operational lifetime and film applicability to 3D contours. Additionally, the ability to tailor the films electrical performance on application selected will significantly enhances EM design latitude. These benefits can be realized by numerous DoD platforms.

Keywords:
Coatings, Coatings, EM design, resistive films, Nanotubes

Modern military aircraft utilize thin resistive films on many surfaces to meet specific electromagnetic design requirements. These films are traditionally produced films do not offer the combination of durability, electrical resistance control, and material substrate compatibility that is ideal for their end-use application. Eikos demonstrated the ability of its Invisicon technology to achieve a wide range of electrical resistivities on a variety of substrate materials with fine control over accuracy and precision. The Invisicon technology is capable of exceptional electrical properties and durability on traditional substrates. Furthermore, the same technology offers exciting possibilities for use on a wide variety challenging surfaces, some of which could enable new designs, capabilities, and production methods suitable for future systems. Rapid transition of this technology into legacy platforms is ensured since only traditional processing methods are employed, many aspects of this technology are already commercial, and we will first seek to supplant legacy products before attempting to insert this technology into new applications. The next phase of this development effort will be focused on producing and qualifying precision coatings. Parts will be scaled up, produced at various resistivity levels, tested, and then qualified by our partners.

Benefit:
The commercial use of the films are limited; however, the base coating technology has numerous uses and has a history of successful commercialization. The primary market for the films being developed herein is within the US government and particularly within the DoD. The applications within the government are broad enough to ensure that this technology has a significant customer base. The government uses alone encompass: 1) radar system components, 2) antenna ground planes, 3) EMI control coatings, 4) sensor circuitry, 5) flexible electronics, 6) radiation stable ESD coatings for space, 7) aircraft ESD coating, and several other in the 8) IC community.

Keywords:
uniformity, Durable, precision, resistive coatings, Nanotubes