Metal Coated Carbon Nanofibers as Pyrophoric IR Countermeasures Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-001 Topic Title: Metal Coated Carbon Nanofibers as Pyrophoric IR Countermeasures Proposal No.: N051-001-0477 Firm: Applied Sciences, Inc. 141 W. Xenia Ave. PO Box 579 Cedarville, Ohio 45314-0579 Contact: Ronald Jacobsen Phone: (937) 766-2020 Web Site: www.apsci.com Abstract: Infrared (IR) countermeasures to protect combatant aircraft now use pyrophoric metal foils to generate a decoy IR signature. These foils have a number of drawbacks, such as a limited and known signature that will eventually be defeated and a supply that comes from a non-competitive sole source. Also pyrophoric foils occasionally fail to ignite at high altitude. This project will develop a family of novel metal coated carbon nanofibers (CNF) as an alternative IR pyrophoric material. Vapor phase nickel coated CNF have been observed to be pyrophoric. Furthermore, there are now controlled methods for submicron deposition of nickel and aluminum, which can react pyrophorically to form nickel aluminide. Refinement and characterization of these materials are all that is required to obtain a crucial second source of IR countermeasure material. It is anticipated that control of the coating thickness and content, as well as the IR absorbing and radiating properties of the host CNF will permit new methods of IR spectral control that can be exploited to maintain a renewable technological edge over IR seeker technology. Also, the CNF can be intercalated with an alkali metal as an initiator to ensure pyrophoric ignition under adverse conditions. Benefits: The project will create a viable second source of pyrophoric material to supply IR countermeasures. This will result in competitive pricing and reduced risk of supply interruption. The new material will also provide variety in the IR spectra that can be obtained, giving a sustainable advantage over IR seeker counter-technologies. Return