| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2013.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N131-022 |
| Topic Title: |
Next Generation Boat Hull Impact and Abrasion Proofing |
| Proposal No.: |
N131-022-0278 |
| Firm: |
Resodyn Corporation
130 North Main Street
Suite 600
Butte, Montana 59701 |
| Contact: |
Stephen Galbraith |
| Phone: |
(406) 497-5223 |
| Web Site: |
www.resodyn.com |
| Abstract: |
Resodyn Corporation proposes to develop a single tough thermoplastic polymer coating material and system solution for aluminum and composite boat hulls. The coating functions as an adhesive for attaching doubler plates. It encapsulates and prevents water from corroding metal substrates plus it is hydrophobic and can include corrosion inhibitors and colorant. Basic polymer components are tough thermoplastics which are intrinsically impact resistant and abrasion resistant. Thermoplastic coatings are field repairable using a heat gun. No solvents chemical mixing is required. Technical work entails procuring aluminum and composite test specimens, formulating several different coating materials, test and evaluation. Programmatic work will compare the proposed solution to current practice and estimate a cost benefit to the government. A preliminary experiment and extending Resodyn Corporation's existing Polymer Thermo Spray technology suggests a high likelihood of success. |
| Benefits: |
Resodyn Corporation's novel thermoplastic polymer solution to protect USN small craft hulls against excessive abrasion and impact damage would increase mission readiness by shortening down-time due to repair or replacement. The solution would increase mission capability in that the hull will be able to endure regular beaching and impacts. The solution would reduce life cycle costs by providing a more durable and cost effective system that can be easily repaired and replaced if necessary without depot maintenance facilities and specialized skill-sets. Minor field repairs such as filling gouges or smoothing rough surfaces could easily be done with a heat tool. |