Blast Protection and Damage Mitigation Coatings

Large bombs are the weapons of choice for global terrorist networks. Brutal attackers have become dangerously efficient at delivering these explosive devices to their intended targets. Fortification of Navy ships against these deadly explosions would greatly reduce the physical and psychological damage inflicted by these bomb attacks. A unique elastomeric polymer has recently been proven by DoD agencies to mitigate powerful explosions and retain structural fragments that inadvertently become part of the weapon. The material is applied as a lightweight monolithic coating and does not contain volatile organic compounds. Its proliferation for use in Navy ship interior applications has been impeded by its inability to resist fire and by smoke generation during combustion. TRI proposes advancements to the proven polymeric coating by incorporating new chemistries with fire retardant properties. In addition, approved fire retardant additives will be evaluated as synergists to the new polymer system. The new coating will retain the desired blast mitigation properties that have been reported and will meet strict fire resistance standards. TRI will utilize its extensive experience with the coating system and our past successes in the development of fire resistant polymers for demanding DoD applications.