A high reliability Condensing Heat Exchanger (CHX) is an essential technology in a manned spacecraft as it regulates cabin humidity, temperature, and condenses water which can be recycled. However, current state-of-the-art CHXs rely on non-permanent coatings which have been problematic. The Laser-Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger project aims to solve these problems through the use of femtosecond laser-processed silver surfaces, which have unique wetting properties and have exhibited anti-microbial growth properties. Silver hydrophobic laser-processed material has been investigated to identify if it could be a suitable candidate for a replacement CHX. Areas researched in this project and reported upon include laser processing of silver, microbial growth testing, condensing testing in which laser-processed surfaces were condensed upon, and construction of a coupon.
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