NSF Award
9761124
*** 9761124 Mozhi This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an environmentally compliant pulsed plasma spray technique for solid polymer coatings. The pulsed approach opens the opportunity to 1) deposit functionally gradient polymer coatings, 2) alternatively preheat the substrate and deposit coatings, 3) provide finer control and uniform temperature distribution for all powders, and 4) provide finer control of the substrate temperature. The overall research objective is to experimentally demonstrate this technique. During Phase 1, the firm will: 1) Utilize a 1-D code to determine optimum parameters for fabrication of a sprayer; 2) Experimentally demonstrate deposition of polyurethane on Al and analyze the coating; 3) Design an engineering prototype plasma polymer sprayer; 4) Identify specific coating applications that make best use of the high performance capability of proposed plasma sprayer. The anticipated Phase I result is successful deposition of solid polymer coatings with superior properties. Polymer coatings will find applications in the commercial aircraft industry, the auto industry for corrosion protection of cars and trucks, and in general to the commercial coating industry. Applications for polymer coatings abound in many industries for corrosion protection, electrical insulation, and wear resistance, ***
