| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2009.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N091-060 |
| Topic Title: |
Low Voltage Anode Materials |
| Proposal No.: |
N091-060-1235 |
| Firm: |
Luna Innovations Incorporated
1 Riverside Circle
Suite 400
Roanoke, Virginia 24016 |
| Contact: |
James Dante |
| Phone: |
(434) 220-9442 |
| Web Site: |
www.lunainnovations.com |
| Abstract: |
Zinc and aluminum based anodes are typically used for cathodic protection of Navy vessels as a secondary protection system in the event of paint failure. These anode materials have electrochemical potentials in the range of < -1000mV (SCE). However, potential for hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steel and nickel based alloys is significant within this range. This is particularly true in regions where only small coating defects exist resulting in complete polarization of the substrate to anode voltages. The focus of this effort is to develop new materials with an electrochemical potential within the range of -850mV (SCE) that are capable of supporting large anodic current densities. Luna proposes to exploit the use of specific chemical and electrochemical properties of oxide forming alloying elements to tailor the breakdown and corrosion potential of aluminum alloys into the desired range. |
| Benefits: |
Hydrogen embrittlement is a concern in many industries including the oil & gas, pipeline, and shipping industries. The development of a low voltage anode material will significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic infrastructure failures that result from hydrogen embrittlement. |