Cryogenic Elastomeric Hybrid Composites as Navy Ship External Louver Gaskets

NanoSonic is a small, advanced materials company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of state-of-the-art cryogenic composites that are not commercially available.  Here, we shall combine our experience in elastomeric ultra-low glass transition (Tg) polymers with engineering load bearing composites and our seal production techniques for demanding Arctic environments.  Specifically, NanoSonic has recently demonstrated cryogenic polymers as cores for Type IV linerless hydrogen embrittlement resistant, low permeation, cryotanks.  Additionally, we have established production methods for new composites as rotary and water vacuum seals that must withstand the rigors of continuous rotation (600 rpm), vacuum, and extremely high radiation environments (18 MGy/year) for use in the beam dump at Michigan State University's (MSU) Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).  We are also working with the physicists at the Jefferson Lab Institute for Superconducting RF Science and Technology to review the integration pathway for new cryomodule gate valves needed for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF).  During Phase I, NanoSonic shall develop inorganic-organic hybrid elastomeric cryogenic composites for coupon level testing, and as gaskets for representative Polar regions environment testing during the option period.  We shall establish a transition pathway for integration onto US Navy’s DDD-G 51 Class Destroyers.