Low-Cost Graphite-Thermoplastic Composites for EM-Shielded Tachical Shelters(1000-642)

Triton Systems, Inc. (TSI) proposes to develop a new graphite fiber thermoplastic-matrix composite material form, that will enable low-cost manufacture of lightweight, electromagnetic (EM) -shielded composite tactical shelters. A novel polymer additive, flame retardant will be added to the thermoplastic matrix to meet flammability requirements. The thermoplastic lightweight mobility shelter (TPLMS) will reduce cost of procurement, maintenance, and repair; will reduce shelter footprint, and will provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemically-treated aluminum-skinned, or styrene-based composite-skinned structures. Additionally, the material will be recyclable as a graphite-filled bulk molding compound or injection resin at end-of-life shelter disposal. The advent of continuous, commodity-priced graphite as reinforcement in a vacuum-moldable, high-service-temperature polypropylene thermoplastic matrix will provide for panel stiffness to approach aluminum at equal skin thickness, allowing weight savings of approximately 25% relative to aluminum-skinned shelters currently in service. Excellent thermal and acoustic properties of the graphite/polypropylene thermoplastic (Gr/PP) material will reduce fuel-need footprint and internal noise levels.