Lightweight Passive Fire Protection System for Composite Structures

MicroPhase Coatings submits this proposal under SBIR Topic N04-085, Lightweight Passive Fire Protection System for Composite Structures. Our solution builds on an innovative, patent-pending Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) which is under development for non-rotating jet engine parts. TBC is a largely inorganic coating that converts to completely inorganic ceramic after exposure to 900oF. We conduct trade-off analyses, modify the coating with various fillers including nano-clays, and make other adjustments to meet Navy requirements of fire resistance; limiting fire growth; environmental tenability; adhesion in the presence of shock, vibration, and salt fog; durability and maintainability; manufacturability; and affordability. We team with Southwest Research Institute, world leaders in fire testing, to complete Phase I ASTM-E-1354, ASTM-E-162, and small scale fire resistance tests, precursor to full scale UL-1709 tests which we will conduct during Phase II. We team with Goodrich Engineered Polymer Products, providers of composite materials and components for US Navy ship construction. During Phase I we establish a relationship with a shipyard, working through EPP, so that by the end of Phase II, we have a product qualified for use and a plan for integrating the product into ship construction.