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MicroPhase Coatings, Inc (MPCI) provides high performance specialty coatings for government, industrial, and consumer markets. These coatings employ breakthrough technologies to meet unique and highly stressful requirements, such as our coating for the B-2 bomber. MPCI has consistently delivered high quality products and service, as evidenced by performance on repeat military contracts and products that have been qualified for use in petro-chemical industries. MPCI has a proven management team and a preeminent Board of Advisors including CEO's from Fortune 1000 corporations, a Senior Partner with Deloitte and Touche, and two former Admirals. Our staff includes several Ph.D. scientists, engineers, administration, and a CEO with proven startup executive experience. Our research and development facility in Wake County, North Carolina is located near North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the Research Triangle Park. MPCI has a long-standing relationship with NCSU (personal and contractual), enabling use of their sophisticated laboratory capabilities, such as scanning electron microscopy. A 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility produces batch sizes ranging from 55 gallons to over 5,000 gallons. The facility complies with all federal, state and local regulations and includes a fully equipped QC laboratory. MPCI adheres to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards.
An SBIR Phase II project is currently in the process of testing a new coating developed to prevent ice formation. The coating was designed to withstand the harsh environment in which a B-2 operates. Therefore the coating had to include a range of capabilities including durability, flexibility, and survivability operating in extreme thermal environments. The coating that was developed includes melting point depressants that are necessary to lower the melting point of water in contact with the surface. It also is "Teflon-like" to offer minimal opportunity for mechanical binding.
The technology is currently undergoing final testing under the demanding conditions under which a B-2 aircraft operates. This technology has the capability of dramatically reducing ice damage to B-2 engines. Engineers are optimistic that the coating will perform adequately. Over five years, more than 30 B-2 engines experienced damage due to ice build up. This problem is estimated to cost the B-2 $750K annually as well as impacting aircraft availability. Plans have already been considered to transfer the technology to other aircraft that present less demanding flight environment profiles.
Kenneth Wisehart
MicroPhase Coatings, Inc.
Phone: (540) 839-6699
Website:
Email: wisehar@tds.net