Advanced Laser Processing for Improved Corrosion Resistance on Light Alloys
Abstract
This proposal, entitled Advanced Laser Processing for Improved Corrosion Resistance on Light Alloys, is being submitted for the pu,rchase of equipment to support ongoing and future work in laser processing at the Penn State University (PSU) and its Applied Resear,ch Laboratory (ARL). Laser processing has shown promise for use on different substrates to remove paint, coatings, and corrosion, an,d create a corrosion barrier (via surface passivation), but there is a need to better understand the effects of laser processing to, determine if degradation or damage (that is detrimental to the substrate) occurs during processing. The proposed equipment will all,ow PSU faculty, staff, and students to investigate laser processing through characterization and failure analysis and to determine a,cceptable parameters and conditions while helping to spur further research. The use of laser processing is receiving increased inte,rest throughout the build and refurbishment centers employed by the Navy. While these activity centers have a warranted desire to re,place existing procedures, currently, the use of laser processing is limited. To gain more widespread utilization, significant suppo,rting data is required to satisfy the concerns of stakeholders to ensure that laser processing will not degrade or weaken substrate, materials or risk critical assets of NAVSEA and NAVAIR, or other organizations of the Tri-Services. Laser processing, for purposes, of this proposal, is separated into ablation and passivation. The use of laser ablation is desirable due to a projected cost reduct,ion associated with paint and corrosion removal, potential reduction in damage to the substrate, and increase in safety for personne,l that operate laser processing vice current practices, i.e., media blasting, chemical removal, etc. For laser passivation, previou,s PSU work has shown that laser passivation adds corrosion protection for light metals such as aluminum and enhanced adhesion for to,p coatings, while removing the need for potentially hazardous chromium-based conversion coatings (i.e. hexavalent (Cr+6)). These att,ributes warrant the use of laser processing as replacements to existing processes, but refined processing parameters and supporting, test data is needed for widespread use. To provide the necessary supporting evidence to satisfy potential users, the proposed equi,pment will be used to develop a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and deficiencies of laser processing. To fully understa,nd, identify, and ensure against laser-created deficiencies in Navy assets, a means to determine completeness of coating/corrosion r,emoval, detection of laser-induced damage, and completeness of passivation are desired. By having greater access to the laser proce,ssing system proposed, PSU researchers will be readily able to test and re-test components in an i,id development of optimized processing conditions. This proposal has the full support of the Navy iMAST ManTech COE that has already, funded multiple RepTech projects and one ManTech project to investigate laser processing for the Navy. A current SERDP proposal rel,ated to laser passivation of light alloys also received significant support from NAVSEA, Coast Guard, and Army TWHs as a potential, path to replace chrome-based coatings. The proposed equipment will be leveraged for existing projects and other projects anticipat,ed forFY22 and beyond. Having in-house access to this equipment will allow for deeper investigation of laser processing technology a,nd provide a foundation for all future projects where laser processing is advantageous.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212310
Entities
People
- David Rearick
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Navy