Functional Coatings and their Stability in Naval Relevant Environments
Abstract
Functional coatings must survive harsh conditions without sacrificing performance. Therefore, these coatings must display extraordinary functionality and robustness. Gallium-based liquid metal composites have shown great promise in creating diverse functionalities while also displaying unprecedented resilience. For example, liquid metal composites can create self-healing electrical circuitry that instantly repairs under mechanical damage, can display unique combinations of elasticity and electrical and thermal properties,and can create very tough yet functional adhesives. These fascinating capabilities promise functional coatings with extraordinary robustness and properties, but so far these materials have been primarily demonstrated in controlled, laboratory environments. This leaves a significant knowledge gap on the fundamental degradation processes in liquid metal composites and limits the exciting potential of these multifunctional materials and coatings. The goal of this research is to discover how harsh environments influence the degradation processes in liquid metal composites and determine how electrical, mechanical, and adhesive properties evolve over time. This research will determine the fundamental changes in composite properties and quantify how composite microstructure evolves in harsh environments as a function of liquid metal inclusion size, shape, and volume loading. Through unique coating capabilities enabled by 3D printing and spray coating, the research will further explore how coating methodology influences liquid metal microstructure, and how these new microstructures influence the degradation behavior during underwater aging. For the first time, this research will determine the fundamental liquid metal composite aging mechanisms and quantitative microstructural origins of how liquid metal composites evolve in harsh environments. The knowledge gained through this research will offer crucial guidance for the development ofinnovative liquid metal composite coatings that are capable of withstanding harsh environments, while maintaining precise control over mechanical, adhesive, and functional properties.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412461
Entities
People
- Michael D. Bartlett
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech