On the concern of aged Lightning Air Terminal´s capturing capability and improvement by mean of chemical treatment

Lightning Air Terminal (LAT) is normally a sharp-tipped rod that is used to intercept direct lightning strike to ground structures. However it was found that LAT sometimes does not function as it should be due to aging and prolonged exposure to the acidic rain. This paper presents on the studies to determine chemical compounds; Polyvinyl Acetate and Polyvinyl Alcohol that can be use to enhance LATs´ capturing capability. The chemicals act as a `make-up´ that helps the LAT to resist the effect of acid rain while increasing its conductivity and lightning leaders capturing capability. These findings were based on laboratory experiments. Further research has to be done on actual site testing using rocket-triggered lightning or on-situ monitoring of LATs performance. However it was found that in an environment where acidity is at pH 4, Polyvinyl Acetate is best for the LATs´ performance improvement.