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Refractory Coating for Heat Resistant Portable Helipad
Navy SBIR FY2012.2
| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2012.2 |
| Topic No.: |
N122-109 |
| Topic Title: |
Refractory Coating for Heat Resistant Portable Helipad |
| Proposal No.: |
N122-109-0161 |
| Firm: |
Eltron Research & Development, Inc.
4600 Nautilus Court South
Boulder, Colorado 80301-3241 |
| Contact: |
Sara Rolfe |
| Phone: |
(303) 530-0263 |
| Web Site: |
www.eltronresearch.com |
| Abstract: |
Eltron Research & Development, Inc (Eltron) has developed a refractory, flexible, inorganic paint that has shown excellent performance in protecting polymers from direct heat sources. In this project, Eltron will coat portable helipad mat materials such as polyethylene and polyester as well as other high temperature polymers and lightweight materials with refractory paint. Eltron's refractory, ceramic coating will be completely inorganic and highly refractory with a melting point of >1000C which will improve the thermal resistance of mat materials to be able to withstand 650 F minimum for 20 minutes minimum. We've developed a series of methods to provide excellent adhesion of our coatings to a variety of substrates including polymers, ceramics, and metals. Since Eltron's coating provides a thin, refractory layer, there should be little change in weight, density, or volume compared to uncoated mats. The refractory coating should provide no change in corrosion and weather resistance, installation, ground preparation, ground securing, or dust suppression compared to uncoated mats. The structural and thermal properties of refractory coated mat samples will be shown to be superior to uncoated samples while maintaining many of the puncture strength, tear resistance, and air permeability properties required for a portable helipad. |
| Benefits: |
The military seeks thermally resistant portable helipads to reduce brownout during landing of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Brownouts damage aircraft, reduce visibility, and can lead to accidents costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Heat resistant, ceramic coatings are often brittle and difficult to apply; thus a coating that is strong, flexible, and capable of withstanding extremely high and low temperatures is needed. This SBIR project would result in a flexible, refractory coating for helipad mat materials to increase the thermal resistance for modern aircraft. Besides, heat resistant portable helipads, Eltron's coated helipads may be able to expand into other coated mat products including ground improvement mats and beach access mats. In addition, thermally resistant coatings can be used to protect munitions cases and other objects containing volatile substances. |
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