POSS Nanochemical Technology for Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Systems

ABSTRACT:Specialty elastomers, such as hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) and fluoroelastomer (FKM), are widely utilized as high performance seals in numerous aerospace vehicles and components. The elastomer sealing industry and its products are primarily based on a limited pool of feedstocks that were last advanced in the 1970's. Using current technology, elastomeric seals must be utilized within narrow ranges of operating conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical exposure). This increases risk for equipment failures due to unforeseen variations in operating conditions and may result in loss of equipment, facilities, mission and life. A more robust sealing approach is needed to increase safety and performance margins and to fill performance gaps in elastomeric sealing technology.BENEFIT:A leapfrog advancement in elastomeric sealing technology can be realized and productized within 30 months though the proposed transition team effort. Hybrid Plastics is an expert in manufacture of POSS chemicals and Parker is an expert in design and manufacture of elastomeric sealing technology products and distribution.