You are here

Autonomous Solid Phase Microextraction for Explosives Detection and Identification

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68335-01-C-0185
Agency Tracking Number: N011-0573
Amount: $69,107.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
19 Research Road
East Falmouth, MA 02536
United States
DUNS: 106769839
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Francis Keohan
 Vice President
 (508) 540-4400
 fkeohan@capecod.net
Business Contact
 Katherine Finnegan
Title: Administrative Assistant
Phone: (508) 540-4400
Email: kfinnegan@capecod.net
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Military aircraft require corrosion inhibiting sealants around fasteners gaps to prevent fuel leaks, water ingress, and corrosion. Conventional selants must be wet-applied during assembly, which results in excessive labor costs and downtime. Limitationsof conventional polyether and polysulfide-based sealants include: the slowness of cure below room temperature, contraction during cure, and cumbersome application methods. A novel fastener sealant based on an expandable matrix resin with microencapsulatedcuring agents and chrome-free anticorrosive agents is proposed for this application. The sealant is designed to be pre-applied to metallic fasteners, form a thin, dry outer film surface and remain shelf-stable. Upon insertion into a hole, the shearingforces reflow the sealant and activate the base resin curing. The curing process will be accompanied by a controlled level of material expansion for effective sealing. The proposed sealant system should effectively protect aircraft structures from waterintrusion and associated corrosion processes. Pre-applied fastener sealants will be formulated with microencapsulated curing agents, low toxicity corrosion inhibitors and rheological additives and tested for adhesion to aluminum and composites, fuel andwater barrier properties, resistance to thermal and chemical degradation, and corrosion inhibiting properties. The physical performance will be compared to commercial sealants meeting MIL-S-81733.A pre-applied,chrome-free, expandable sealant havingexcellent corrosion inhibiting properties would provide the DoD with a cost-effective process for maintaining military aircraft. Potential commercial applications would include the manufacture and repair of civilian aircraft, automotive and marineproducts.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government