Magazine Lightweight Synthetic Decking

The United States Navy is in need of novel synthetic decking materials to level magazine decks that utilize the Universal Tie-Down System (UTDS). Current latex concrete products add over 300 tons of weight to a ship, and it is desired that this weight be reduced by 50% or more. Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI/Austin) proposes the development of a new polymeric material that can replace the latex concrete for this application and provide the lighter weight that is needed. Polymer materials that have been developed by TRI/Austin have been shown to have excellent impact resistance and excellent resistance to indentation. In addition, these new materials are extremely resistant to fluids and harsh environmental exposures. These polymers are engineered to cure within two hours and are easily repairable if damaged, though the enhanced toughness of these materials is expected to lead to lower life cycle costs. The primary goal of the Phase I is to develop a synthetic decking material to provide the necessary properties outlined in MIL-D-21631. The feasibility of using the developed novel technology polymer for ship decking will be proven through the generation of in-house experimental mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests.