FURI | Fall 2020

Silver Analysis on Stainless Steel 316 Coated Aluminum Oxide Used for Water Systems on Spacecrafts

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Stainless Steel 316L and its reaction with Ag+ were investigated because of its use as a biocide in potable water systems on spacecraft. The objective of this study is to stop the depletion of Ag+ by precoating the SS316 coupons with aluminum oxide, silver nanoparticles, and sulfidized silver nanoparticles. This is hypothesized to prevent depletion which will keep Ag+ in an AgF solution of .4ppm since it’s the form used in the International Space Station. The Ag+ depleted was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The results of this study identified surface coatings and thickness to maintain biocidal silver.

Student researcher

Marcela Strane

Civil, environmental and sustainable engineering

Hometown: Houston, Texas, United States

Graduation date: Spring 2021