Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S):
OBJECTIVE: The effort seeks to develop tough multi-functional coatings and systems that are self-decontaminating with minimal need to service the coating/system and an additional capability to provide wear and abrasion resistance for the underlying substrate.
DESCRIPTION: Novel formulation technologies for use as coating systems or appliques hold the potential to revolutionize conventional decontamination in demanding military vehicle environments. A key objective of this program is to develop coating systems that are antimicrobial at the surface and maintain antimicrobial activity despite wear and environmental exposure.Antimicrobial activity desired includes demonstrated reduction of viable bacteria, spores and viruses on a surface by >99% within 5 minutes. The antimicrobial mode of action is open to the proposers, but must be active throughout an at least 5 year coating lifespan.Limited replenishment (every 6+ months) of the function of the coating is acceptable using methods such as transfer of matter, physical abrasion, and use of <5V of electrical potential. Low adhesion or self-cleaning behavior, or other modes of action to maintain interaction of actives with microbes on the coating surface, is highly desired to maintain the ability of the surface to continue to exhibit self-decontamination capability during repeated use. It is desired that proposed coatings and appliques be compatible with, or have characteristics similar to extant chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC).Approaches that enable simultaneous destruction of microbes and chemical weapons agents are highly encouraged.Proposers should consider applications with substantial robustness considerations, preferably high-touch surfaces (grab handles, doorknobs, floor coverings, etc.) with wear requirements comparable to toughened thermoplastics (TPO, polyurethane) and exterior vehicle surfaces (e.g. top surface of a naval vessel or military vehicle) with cost, fluid exposure, and UV exposure requirements comparable to state-of-the-art vehicle paints and top coats.
PHASE I: It is expected that Phase I efforts will demonstrate enhanced abrasion, chemical, UV, and temperature resistance commensurate with environmental and operational exposure of military vehicles and systems similar to chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC).Additionally, the coatings will demonstrate measurable antimicrobial activity for common chemical and biological simulants.It is expected that if the proposed coatings require replenishment, the robustness and antimicrobial activities will be measured over time to allow for predictions of performance over the lifetime of service.\n\ni. Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:\n• Month 1: Report on initial coating design, coating application procedure, and proposed testing and evaluation metrics\n• Month 3: Interim report describing performance of prototype system for wear performance\n• Month 5: Interim report describing performance of prototype system for antimicrobial performance with representative simulants\n• Month 6: Final Phase I Report summarizing approach; prototype architectures and application protocols; and predication of performance over the lifetime of service\n
PHASE II: It is expected the Phase II efforts will demonstrate prototype coatings with enhanced durability and broad spectrum antimicrobial properties for common chemical and biological simulants.Reports on final prototypes should include application and renewal procedures as well as timelines associated with maintenance of the coatings.Additionally measured antimicrobial performance characteristics in representative environments over time should be included in delivered reports detailing performance of final coating prototypes. Samples of interim prototype and final prototype coatings will be delivered to facilitate potential independent verification of coating performance.\n\ni. Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables Phase II fixed milestones for this program should include:\n• Month 2: Report on coating design, operation, and initial performance measures\n• Month 6: Report on Phase II comparative real-world data sets for durability performance, proposed evaluation metrics and initial analysis results\n• Month 12: Report on Phase II comparative real-world data sets for antimicrobial performance, proposed evaluation metrics and initial analysis results\n• Month 14: At least two coupons of at least 3cm x 3cm size of the interim prototype coatings on a relevant substrate (e.g. aluminum 5083 or 6061, 464 naval brass, or AR500 carbon steel)\n• Month 16: Interim report quantifying system performance, comparing with alternative state-of-the art coatings for independent measurements of durability and antimicrobial activity.\n• Month 20:Report quantifying system performance, comparing with alternative state-of-the art coatings for combined measurements of durability and antimicrobial activity\n• Month 22: Month 14: At least two coupons of at least 3cm x 3cm size of the final prototype coatings on a relevant substrate (e.g. aluminum 5083 or 6061, 464 naval brass, or AR500 carbon steel)\n• Month 24: Final Phase II report documenting final prototype architectures, application instructions, maintenance procedures and schedules, and antimicrobial performance and performance as a result of degradation\n
PHASE III: It is expected that the outcome of successful SBIR efforts will generate coating technologies and systems for high-touch surfaces (grab handles, doorknobs, floor coverings, etc.) with wear requirements comparable to toughened thermoplastics (TPO, polyurethane) and exterior vehicle surfaces (e.g. top surface of a naval vessel or military vehicle) with cost, fluid exposure, and UV exposure requirements comparable to state-of-the-art vehicle paints and top coats.Additionally these surfaces will provide antimicrobial performance and/or self-cleaning properties with limited required maintenance.\n\nSUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS\nDARPA intends to use electronic mail for all correspondence regarding this SBO. Questions related to the technical aspect of the research objectives and awards specifically related to this SBO should be emailed to HR001120S0019@darpa.mil. Please reference BAA HR001120S0019-12 in the subject line. All questions must be in English and must include the name, email address, and the telephone number of a point of contact.\n\nDARPA will attempt to answer questions in a timely manner; however, questions submitted within seven (7) calendar days of the proposal due date listed herein may not be answered. DARPA will post a consolidated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. To access the posting please visit: http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities. Under the HR001120S0019-12 summary, there will be a link to the FAQ. The FAQ will be updated on an ongoing basis until one week prior to the proposal due date.\n\nIn addition to the FAQ specific to this SBO, proposers should also review the SBIR/STTR General FAQ list at: http://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/opportunities?tFilter=&oFilter=29934. Under the HR001120S0019 summary, there is a link to the general FAQ.\n\nTechnical support for the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.Requests for technical support must be emailed to DoDSBIRSupport@reisystems.com with a copy to HR001120S0019@darpa.mil.\n
KEYWORDS: Nano-manufacturing, painting, coating process, self-cleaning, antimicrobial, antiviral, coatings, manufacturing process
