Durable Sol-Gel Surface Treatment to Control Cathodic Current Density Navy STTR FY2014.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2014.A Topic No.: N14A-T014 Topic Title: Durable Sol-Gel Surface Treatment to Control Cathodic Current Density Proposal No.: N14A-014-0128 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 1 Riverside Circle Suite 400 Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Contact: Adam Goff Phone: (434) 220-2513 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: There are numerous regions across modern aircraft that necessitate advanced corrosion solutions in order to protect and maintain their readiness. One such application is the numerous cathodic fasteners that are galvanically coupled to anodic structural materials, like high-strength aluminum alloys. There is a need to bolster corrosion protection at these locations via a user-friendly surface treatment technology that is extremely durable and easy for maintainer application. To address this critical need, the Luna team will develop a mechanically rugged sol-gel surface treatment for common aircraft fastener materials to limit their cathodic current density. This reduction in available current will result in increased electrochemical protection of the mated aluminum substrate materials, thereby boosting the long-term corrosion resistance at treated interfaces across the aircraft. Specifically, the ambient cure sol-gel surface treatment will be formulated for dip/brush application such that it can be used as both a fastener pretreatment prior to traditional priming, as well as for direct wet installation applications. In this way, the proposed surface treatment will be a drop-in technology for the Navy maintainer and enable application via common techniques and fastener installation practices. Benefits: The proposed Phase I program is targeted to demonstrate an improved surface treatment technology for cathodic fasteners and other attachment points. The initial transition platforms are the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet and the T-45 Goshawk training aircraft, although numerous opportunities exist for the new technology across aerospace and other markets. If successful, the new surface treatment technology will enable rapid adoption across relevant Navy depots and at Prime production facilities. Succesful implementation onto the target platforms will facilitiate multiple other opportunities across the DoD. Other potential applications include commercial aviation, automotive, maritime/ships, and facility/infrastructure applications. Return