Lightweight, inexpensive, corrosion inhibiting integral and/or multi-component ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) and environmental seals for Advanced

The Navy seeks a sealing system that provides air and water tight sealing for egress/ingress sites and other hatches and access panels on the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle. This sealing system must also provide corrosion resistance and themaintenance of EMI shielding between sealed interfaces. METSS proposes to develop an elastomer based sealing system that provides durable air and water tightness by virtue of the compressive properties and chemical resistance of the elastomer seal. EMIshielding will result from making the elastomer suitably conductive to electrically bridge the gap being sealed. Corrosion resistance will come from a combination of the chemical resistance and electrical conductivity of the elastomer. METSS will providethe Navy with design information related to constructing and applying the seal to pertinent interfaces, as well as critical information related to the degree of compressibility required to maintain an air- and water-tight seal. The key element in thisproposal is the approach taken to induce electrical conductivity. The proposed approach minimizes the amount conductive additive required to support EMI performance such that the chemical and mechanical resilience properties of the seal material aremaintained. A wide variety of commercial and industrial applications require corrosion resistant, air- and water-tight seals. Among these applications are boats and land vehicles. Moreover, EMI shielding seals are required in aircraft, computerhousings, and vehicle control systems. Almost all machinery can benefit from improved seals. The combination need for EMI shielding in seals and gaskets is growing as the use of electronically controlled equipment accelerates.