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Advanced Aluminum Alloy Cleaning Methods for Improved Corrosion Resistance

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-05-M-5014
Agency Tracking Number: O043-C16-1087
Amount: $99,984.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD04-C16
Solicitation Number: 2004.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-01-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-01-19
Small Business Information
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: 627132913
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Kevin Cooper
 Principal Investigator
 (540) 552-5128
 vogtw@lunainnovations.com
Business Contact
 Wendy Vogt
Title: Director of Contracts
Phone: (540) 552-5128
Email: vogtw@lunainnovations.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The objective of the program is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing environmentally acceptable surface cleaning methods that increase the corrosion resistance of aircraft aluminum alloys. Existing specified cleaning processes degrade the corrosion properties of high-strength aluminum alloys due to formation of a copper-rich surface. Luna Innovations, Inc. will develop multiple cleaning environments and processes and quantitatively evaluate their impact on corrosion behavior of aircraft aluminum alloys. The Phase I will focus on demonstrating the selective removal and gettering, to prevent deposition, of alloying elements that degrade corrosion resistance, in particular copper. Chemical, mechanical and electrochemical means will be examined as methods to control the amount and electrochemical activity of copper and copper-bearing intermetallics on the cleaned surface. State-of-the-art electrochemical techniques will be used to quantify metrics of corrosion susceptibility that will facilitate objective evaluation of the various cleaning method. Evaluation will be done in comparison to a control cleaning method based on existing specified treatments.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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