All-Polymer Conductive Gap Filler through Liquid Crystal Templating

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) proposes the further development of conductive liquid crystalline elastomer materials and to demonstrate improved performance of this system as an enabling technology for conductive gap filler in aircraft outer mold line. CRG has already demonstrated the feasibility of conductive liquid crystalline elastomer in prior work and further research will improve the performance of this material system and capitalize on knowledge obtained in previous DoD effort. The proposed conductive elastomers provide the means to enhance performance and increase service life of conductive gap filler through high elasticity, durability, chemical resistance, and low weight, thereby reducing the need for maintenance, increasing mission readiness, and reducing cost. BENEFIT: Operational Benefits: (1) Enhanced durability and conductivity over conventional filled elastomers (2) Reduced weight of conductive elastomer and reduced operating cost, and (3) Processable into final products by conventional molding and injection. Commercial Applications: (1) Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding for wiring and electronics, (2) Electrostatic dissipation of packaging and structural materials, and (3) Flexible electronics.