Crosslink Receives SBIR Award

In January 2010, Crosslink received a $100,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the Small Business Administration that is funding further development of an advanced conductive-polymer based antistatic coating for aircraft transparencies, canopies and windscreens. The non-conductive nature of the plastics used to fabricate the transparencies requires the use of conductive layers or components to dissipate charge in a timely manner.

The goal of the program is to develop a coating system that dissipates precipitation static (p-stat) charge that builds-up during flight. P-stat results from the flow of fluid or air containing particles, such as rain, snow, ice, sand, dust, over the transparency surface. P-stat charge is dangerous to pilots and maintenance personnel; it may also damage electronic aircraft equipment and pose a potential explosion hazard if uncontrolled corona discharge or arcing occurs.

While current coating systems (e.g., gold and ITO layers) can meet these charge dissipating requirements, these layers are difficult to repair and typically result in the replacement and loss of the expensive aircraft canopy. Recent improvements in the properties of inherently conductive polymers (ICPs) have made these polymers a viable alternative for use in p-stat dissipating coatings on aircraft transparencies.
Ultimately, protective coating systems that dissipate p-stat charge need to exhibit:

• excellent optical transparency
  
• excellent optical clarity
  
• good resistance to abrasion
  
• good chemical resistance
  
• strong adhesion properties
  
• good stability/durability to weathering

Crosslink’s expertise with conductive polymers should be advantageous in the development of these p-stat dissipative coatings. Made for military aircraft canopies, Crosslink’s antistatic coating system will offer a safe, long-lasting solution for preventing static build-up and will withstand the rugged environment inherent to defense aircraft operations. The coating system will also help to protect pilots and ground crews from possible injuries, and minimize the potential for electrical equipment malfunctions in the cockpit. Added benefits of the Crosslink ICP-based antistatic coating are that it is expected to be compatible with field repair and will result in operating cost advantages due to equipment readiness.

Advanced Conductive Polymer Coating for P-Stat Protection

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