Rad Hard Thoraeus Rubber Filters as Durable Shielding for Munitions Electronics

ABSTRACT: NanoSonic has physically demonstrated innovative Thoraeus Rubber (TR) nanocomposites as ultra-lightweight, extremely durable, electromagnetic (EM) hardening materials for precision guided munitions (PGM) housing and critical circuitry. Ultra-low areal density (0.03 g/cm2) self-assembled TR nanocomposites offer EMI SE double that of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products and can be repeatedly strained to 50% elongation without loss of shielding. NanoSonic"s nanoparticles are synthesized in-house with proprietary surface chemistry for use in our electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) process that mitigates oxidation and promotes long-term shielding. Furthermore, our elegant, layer-by-layer, spray ESA process enables the production of uniquely layered structures that offer selective, narrow-band EMI SE and dual-use radiation shielding against gamma rays (137Cs). TR shall be optimized for performance as specified in MIL-STD-464 and representative high power radio frequency (HPRF) environments to increase the current TRL from 4 to 7. NanoSonic"s CAD models and milled GENEC structure generated during Phase I shall be used to determine the RF energy coupling into the PGM cavity during Phase II. TR coatings shall be integrated onto representative U.S. PGMs to ensure protection of guidance and control components against HPRF energy threats including high power microwaves and validated by our Phase II defense prime partners to reach TRL 9. BENEFIT: NanoSonic"s Rad Hard Thoraeus Rubber shielding materials are being optimized as non-invasive, lightweight, EM hardening materials for aerospace platforms. Thoraeus Rubber nanocomposites will be primarily transitioned onto U.S. precision guided munitions (PGM) and circuitry to ensure protection of guidance and control components against high power radio frequency (HPRF) energy threats including high power microwaves and as specified in MIL-STD-464. TR materials would later be developed for commercial applications such as lightweight RF protection for server farms, home computers, and sensitive electronic control systems or System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Additional military applications for various forms of Metal Rubber nanocomposites include thermal control switches, actuators, lightning strike protection, and RF shielding for large area structures and sensors. Radioprotective garments, space suits, shielding materials for electronics, aircraft, near space and space platforms may all benefit from our advanced radiation protective uniquely layered Thoraeus Rubber filter based nanocomposites.