N0002424CS186

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II

Ultra-Low Temperature Gaskets & Seals for Extreme Environments

Extreme Cold Weather Resistant Gasket Material

The U.S. Navy DDG-51 class destroyer utilizes numerous types of seals and gaskets (e.g. neoprene, nitrile) that are exposed to harsh environments and various fluids. Gaskets/seals enable the function of critical ship components (e.g. intake louvers) in various environments (temperatures, salt water exposed areas, other critical ship fluids). Despite the protective function of these seals, the increasing deployment of these ships into polar regions leads to exposure to extreme cold weather resulting in brittleness, cracking/shattering, and leaking. There is currently no material available that can survive in Arctic environments while meeting all relevant requirements for MIL-R-6855E. Luna Labs has developed a material with a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than -70 F with 10% thermal retraction (TR-10) of -93 F. The material demonstrated excellent resistance against oil and fuels and verified tunability for hardness and compression. The material is an easily manufactured (long working time, low viscosity) custom polyurethane that meets most of the requirements outlined in MIL-R-6855E for Class 1 (Fuel and petroleum oil resistant) and Class 2 (Petroleum oil, weather, and ozone resistant) synthetic rubber sheets.

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.

N231-043

N231-043-0635

23.1

Spencer L Jackson