Highly Flame, Blast and Ballistic Resistant Hybrid Polysiloxane Coatings for U.S. Navy Ship Structures

The objective of this Phase II program is to further optimize NanoSonic’s non-halogenated hybrid polysiloxane – modified acrylic composite coatings for integration within current and future U.S. Navy ship structures requiring enhanced flame, blast and ballistic protection. By synergistically combining the molecularly flexibility of polysiloxane macromolecules with the mechanical strength, flame resistance of modified acrylic composites, researchers have molecularly engineered a family of low-cost hybrid polysiloxane – modified acrylic coatings that afford superior blast, flame protection over currently employed polyurea, polyurethane and polycarbonate protective coatings. Independent Phase I validation of optimized systems has revealed NanoSonic’s hybrid copolymer composite coatings afford 1) V50 values > 4,000 ft/s to 3/8” A36 steel panels from 0.50 cal fragment simulating projectiles, 2) multiple shot protection from 0.50 cal rounds, 3) exceptional flame resistance and 4) minimal smoke toxicity during combustion. Building from these results, NanoSonic will collaborate with Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Southwest Research Institute and Hydrosize Technologies to further optimize down-selected protective coatings during large-scale blast, ballistic and flame testing for U.S. Navy platform integration and Phase III commercialization advancement. In addition, researchers will expedite integration pathways by establishing spray deposition techniques and rapid room temperature curing on base substrates.