Nanocomposite Coating for Corrosion Prevention of Underwater Connectors Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-034 Topic Title: Nanocomposite Coating for Corrosion Prevention of Underwater Connectors Proposal No.: N131-034-0505 Firm: Lynntech, Inc. 2501 Earl Rudder Freeway South College Station, Texas 77845-6023 Contact: Waheguru Singh Phone: (408) 266-9214 Web Site: http://www.lynntech.com/ Abstract: Navy Submarines utilize a large number of undersea electrical connections to systems located outside the pressure hull (sonar, radar, communications masts etc). Long service life of undersea connectors is critical since maintainance and replacement is difficult and costly. Protection of undersea connectors from corrosion is a challenge. Current anti-corrosion technologies cannot easily be applied to complex connector geometries and are subject to a very specific form of corrosion called cathodic delamination. A fundamentally new type of anti-corrosion coating has been devised to address the problem. The proposed coating utilizes the characteristic of self-assembly, to achieve extremely even coatings on complex geometries. The coating is applicable to multiple surface types with good adhesion and is highly resistant to water and ionic permeation. Initial cost projections for the coating are favorable, with the potential for convenient and environmentally friendly manufacture using standard immersion baths. The Phase I study will establish concept feasibility, demonstrating key performance criteria using coated test coupons. Benefits: The proposed technology is positioned for rapid transition to an existing Navy acquisition program, primarily the Virginia-class submarine program, the Navy's central attack submarine program with a planned procurement of 33 boats with 9 currently in service. The current FYDP (2013-2017) requests funding for 9 additional boats. There will be opportunity to improve anti-corrosion applications to cable connectors through block upgrades or depot maintenance activities. Additional opportunities for transition may occur through Unmanned Undersea Vehicle programs. The coatings technology has many non-military applications. The technology is needed by the off-shore oil and gas industry, for engineering off-shore power networks, in the construction of commercial and cargo ships, and for scientific exploration vehicles. Return