Lightweight, HybridSil Nanocomposites for Ballistic, Blast and Flame Protection to MTVR Fuel Tanks and Engine Components

The objective of this Phase I STTR program is to develop and qualify innovative lightweight, high temperature composite materials that provide ballistic, blast and flame protection to MTVR fuel tanks and engine compartment structures. NanoSonic will work closely with Virginia Tech to simulate the conditions encountered during an IED blast and implement this information for Phase I material development and demonstration. Phase I composites will be tailored to maintain operational utility under severe conditions observed during IED blasts and concurrently mitigate potential subsequent fires following the blast event. NanoSonic will build on its successful demonstration of highly flame retardant, kinetic energy absorbing blast mitigation HybridSil materials that have been designed for Navy ship protection. These innovative materials have 1) demonstrated buried landmine protection to steel alloys with substantial up to 40% reduction in plate deflection and substantial reductions in sonic response during the blast impulse, V50 values>4,000 ft/s (MIL-STD-662F), 2) multiple shot protection from 0.50 cal rounds and 3) exceptional flame resistance (time to ignition>300 seconds, zero flame spread and low toxicity smoke). Of particular interest, these innovative materials have recently passed the ISO 9705 room corner burn test and ASTM E84 surface flammability test and obtained classification as"fire restricting materials"per the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Additionally, they have demonstrated continuous operational utility at temperatures well in excess of 800 oF.