You are here

Diamond-like Carbon Coatings on Polymers

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W81XWH-08-C-0746
Agency Tracking Number: O082-H10-3068
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD08-H10
Solicitation Number: 2008.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2008-09-22
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-03-22
Small Business Information
1980 Olivera Road Suite D
Concord, CA 94520
United States
DUNS: 149397015
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeff Brown
 Senior Scientist
 (925) 798-5770
 jbrown@acreetech.com
Business Contact
 Mike McFarland
Title: President
Phone: (925) 798-5770
Email: mcfarland@acreetech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an innovative multilayer scratch, abrasion, and ballistic impact resistant protective coating for eyewear that uses a Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) coating as the topcoat. The design consists of an optically thick buffer layer that is first deposited on the polycarbonate that has a refractive index closely matched to that of the polycarbonate substrate. This layer provides an optically transparent and mechanically resilient “foundation” and substantially improves the load bearing capability of the plastic substrate. The optical index match allows the coating thickness to be adjusted to maximize mechanical performance without affecting the optical performance. This thick buffer layer is then followed with a series of thinner layers including a DLC top-coat to provide excellent scratch, abrasion and ballistic impact resistance. The additional layers between the DLC and buffer layer allow improved optical performance by impedance matching the layer structure to air. The result of this optimized layer structure is a dramatically improved wear resistance, including abrasive and impact, when compared to the current polycarbonate lenses with scratch resistant AR coatings. The coating can be applied inexpensively in Acree’s Large Volume Coater (LVC).

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government