TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 397: Ohio Replacement Program ACAT1

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate capabilities of robust new anodes for use in corrosion control and sensing applications for naval platforms including submerged platforms.

DESCRIPTION: The objectives of this SBIR are to investigate new ICCP anode materials/concepts and develop new enhanced durability ICCP components with advanced capabilities. Advances in multifunctional materials and materials by design has created the ability to customize materials for specific purposes. Technologies of interest for the development of new anode materials include, but are not limited to conductive polymers and non-traditional high surface area electrode configurations for catalytic surfaces and electrochemical current delivery. New anodes are not limited to novel materials but also novel designs using new or traditional materials. New anodes should also have significant mechanical durability. Mechanical ruggedness is defined as the ability to withstand unplanned, but reasonable impact loads such as hammer drops and non-traditional and unexpected usages such as a step or hand-hold. Basic anode material current supply capability should be a minimum to supply 25 Amps with a system power supply driving voltage of nominally 15 Vdc. Voltage drop along the length of the anode shall be minimized. Life and reliability requirements are targeted at greater than existing technologies (30 years for anodes). Anodes developed must operate in a seawater environment of variable salinity and temperature and be compatible with ship systems in general. Anode holders and casing materials shall be resistant to hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite generated on the anode surface during operation. Anodes electrical connections to power supply cables must be at significant hydrostatic pressures. In addition, there is a desire for anodes to allow for change out underwater, without drydocking.

PHASE I: Investigate metallic/non-metallic materials having properties to enhance ICCP anode and mechanical holder performance:
1) characterize proposed anode materials electronic properties and capabilities,
2) identify viable concepts for hull mounting/underwater replacement and evaluate improved mechanical mounting and hull replacement materials for long-term seawater performance.
Metrics for success will include the identification of appropriate materials and identify and validate proof of concept of novel anode materials and mounting configurations; including evaluation of current capacity, breakdown voltages, and anode efficiency.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototype anode performance for long term evaluation in a laboratory environment at high current densities and high driving voltages simulating Navy operational needs. Demonstrate the ability to manufacture anodes which can be installed in various configurations and sizes while still maintaining consistent performance. Demonstrate the efficacy of anode connections and proof of technology.

PHASE III: Develop of prototype suitable for installation aboard operational US Navy vessels. Develop materials, drawing packages, and manuals documentation to aid shipbuilder in installation and testing of anodes shipboard during extended operational periods. Conduct all required conformance testing.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: New anode materials could be applied to a broad range of military and civilian maritime and infrastructure applications where ICCP systems are relied upon for corrosion protection � for example, commercial shipping and interstate highway bridge maintenance.

REFERENCES:
1. K. E. Lucas, E. D. Thomas, K. I. Kaznoff and E. Hogan, "Design of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems for US Navy Hulls," Designing Cathodic Protection Systems for Marine Structures and Vehicles, ASTM, STP 1370, pp. 17-38, 1999.

2. Underwater Ship Husbandry Manuals, Chapter 19, Cathodic Protection Systems, S0600-AA-PRO-190, NAVSEA 00C5 (Distribution A).

3. R. A. Adey (ed), Modeling of Cathodic Protection Systems, Chapter 2, Shipboard Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System Analysis, WIT Press, 2005.

KEYWORDS: Corrosion, anodes, conformal materials, ICCP, composite materials, multifunctional materials, conducting polymers, smart materials

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between November 10 and December 12, 2010, you may talk directly with the Topic Authors to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting December 13, 2011, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

However, proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the DoD's SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS), in which the questioner and respondent remain anonymous and all questions and answers are posted electronically for general viewing until the solicitation closes. All proposers are advised to monitor SITIS (11.1 Q&A) during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other significant information, relevant to the SBIR 11.1 topic under which they are proposing.

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