Liquid-Nitrogen-Infused Stripping Apparatus Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-127 Topic Title: Liquid-Nitrogen-Infused Stripping Apparatus Proposal No.: N102-127-0226 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Information Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Kang Lee Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for nonchemical chrome-stripping technologies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Liquid-Nitrogen-Infused Stripping Apparatus (LISA). This proposed apparatus is based on application of a highly pressurized liquid nitrogen jet combined with the application of ultrasonic excitation. The innovation in coating removal technology will enable LISA to perform selective stripping of hard chrome plating without damage to the underlying substrate, corner radii, bearing faces, or adjacent critical features. Therefore, this system offers the ability to repair and rework worn and damaged metallic coatings on landing gear and hydraulic actuators for Navy aircraft, such as the F-18, which directly addresses the PMA-265 requirements for hard chrome removal by nonchemical means. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the LISA process by removing the AMS-2460 compliant hard chrome coating from Navy flat and round test coupons and will prepare a cost analysis on the process. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a prototype of the LISA device to demonstrate the effectiveness of a hand-operated tool that combines the application of liquid nitrogen and ultrasonic vibration to solve the Navy's problem of hard chrome coating rework for operation in Navy repair and overhaul facilities. Benefits: Military applications of the LISA technology will include a very broad range of systems that require selective removal of topcoat layers from structures, such as highly corrosive friction-exposed components, complex rounded edges, and tapered profiles, without introducing any damage or loss of integrity to the underlying primer coatings. Moreover without the need for mechanical scrapers, or chemicals, it is possible to perform such tasks much faster, without the need for disposal of hazardous waste, and to do it much more cost-effectively. LISA not only addresses the Navy requirements for fast and preferential coating removal but also has significant commercial applications including paint and powder-coating removal in the manual and computer numeric control (CNC) tool cutting industries, among others. Return