Ballistic Resistant, Environmentally Robust Hybrid Polysiloxane Nanocomposites as Optically Transparent Protective Coatings for Polycarbonate Protecti

The objective of this Phase I SBIR program is to design, synthesize and qualify innovative optically transparent ballistic and abrasion resistant hybrid polysiloxane nanocomposites for use as protective coatings on polycarbonate protective equipment. Researchers will synergistically combine the molecular mobility, impact durability and mechanical strength of hybrid polysiloxane copolymers with the abrasion resistance of reinforcing metal oxide nanoparticles to afford novel protective coatings that enhance the high velocity impact resistance, strength and abrasion resistance of polycarbonate equipment. The proposed copolymer coatings will be an extension of NanoSonic’s blast / flame protective polysiloxane coatings that have demonstrated 1) V50 values > 4,000 ft/s to 3/8” A36 steel panels (MIL-STD-662F), 2) multiple shot protection from 0.50 cal rounds and 3) exceptional flame resistance. Of particular interest, NanoSonic’s hybrid polysiloxane protective materials have demonstrated a 53% V50 enhancement over uncoated steel panels and a 43% V50 improvement over currently employed polyurea protective coatings. NanoSonic specializes in the coating of polycarbonate substrates and has previously developed optically transparent multifunctional abrasion resistant coatings for NAVAIR aircraft canopies. During this program, researchers will leverage this technology and NanoSonic’s recently developed hybrid polysiloxane coatings to produce innovative optically transparent, abrasion resistant antiballistic coatings for polycarbonate equipment.