Efficient, Long-Life Biocidal Condenser, Phase II

Environmental control systems for manned lunar and planetary bases will require condensing heat exchangers to control humidity in manned modules. Condensing surfaces must be hydrophilic to ensure efficient operation and biocidal to prevent growth of microbes in the moist, condensing environment. The coatings must be extremely stable and adhere to the condensing surface for many years. We propose an innovative coating that has proven to be highly biocidal, hydrophilic, and stable. In Phase I we have proven feasibility by developing methods to apply the coating to prototypical materials and demonstrating hydrophilic and biocidal performance under prototypical conditions. In Phase II we propose to optimize the coating and demonstrate the performance of prototypical condenser surfaces designed to meet requirements for future lunar and planetary bases.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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