Issued patent
Smart Coating for Corrosion Detection and Protection
An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.
About this technology
Overview
NASA Kennedy Space Center seeks partners interested in the commercial application of a smart, environmentally friendly coating system for early detection and inhibition of corrosion and self-healing of mechanical damage without external intervention. This coating will have the inherent ability to detect the onset of corrosion in the coated substrate and respond autonomously to control it. The high salt content of KSCs natural marine environment in combination with the sunlight, heat, and humidity of the subtropical Florida climate makes KSC the country's most corrosive area according to the American Society of Metals. These highly corrosive conditions are exacerbated at KSCs launch pads by extreme heat and acidic exhaust from the solid rocket motors of the space vehicles.