Innovative Ultra Violet and Ozone Resistant Material for Hydraulic Clamp Cushions

Tetramer Technologies, a specialty materials research company, aims to develop a more robust elastomer material for cushioned clamps used by the Navy. Cushioned clamps serve an important role in securing hydraulic, fuel, and electrical lines in Navy aircraft. The existing cushions have shown sporadic and unreliable breakdown in use, despite being rated to a rigorous MIL standard. Tetramer proposes to develop a new cushion material based on polyurethane elastomers. Tetramer has previously used this chemistry to develop elastomers with improved chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, and tear strength. The Phase I effort will aim to demonstrate enhanced material performance against the combined effects of UV, ozone and hydraulic fuel exposure. With the proposed technology, the operational lifetime for clamp cushions in the Navys demanding environment can be extended, saving costly premature replacement.