Nanophase Conducting Polymer Composites for Advanced Electronic

A new UV-curing ceramic-modified silicone resin is proposed which can be rapidly cured to tough and optically clear resins. The proposed research explores the feasibility of modifying conventional silicone resins with UV-curable silicate ceramic precursors to produce a new class of semi-vitreous materials for Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) of canopies. The polymer-modified ceramics or ceramer adhesives are designed to cure without evolving volatile byproducts and with a minimum of bondline shrinkage and void formation. The UV-curing reaction is not inhibited by ambient oxygen or moisture which significantly simplifies field level bonding operations. The ultimate objective of the program is to develop an easily processed adhesive possessing high adhesion to the thermoplastics used in aircraft transparencies, optical clarity, and superior adhesion retention over a wide range of temperatures. In the proposed study, the methodology for preparing these novel ceramic hybrids will be developed and their ability to be cured into clear and adherent materials demonstrated.