Innovative Ultra Violet and Ozone Resistant Material for Hydraulic Clamp Cushions Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Topic No.: N181-021 Topic Title: Innovative Ultra Violet and Ozone Resistant Material for Hydraulic Clamp Cushions Proposal No.: N181-021-0091 Firm: Tetramer Technologies, LLC 657 S. Mechanic Street Pendleton, South Carolina 29670 Contact: Debra Tindall Phone: (864) 646-6282 Web Site: http://www.tetramer.com Abstract: 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 Navy�?Ts demanding environment can be extended, saving costly premature replacement. Benefits: Commercial and military aircraft require protective support to secure the array of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical lines. If a support member loses its ability to dampen vibration and provide a protective cushion, the vital runs become susceptible to damage by forces including abrasion, vibration and shock. Unreliable clamps require costly inspection and replacement programs to stay ahead of any sporadic failure. Improved elastomer materials can stay reliably viable in service, and mitigate overly frequent inspections, replacement costs, and downtime. While initially addressing the needs of the Navy in cushioned support clamps for hydraulic lines, more robust elastomers with combined hydrocarbon, UV, and ozone resistance will benefit other government agencies and civilian markets. This elastomer technology can expand into aerospace, transportation, oil and gas, and industrial sectors in demanding applications that include seals, gaskets, mountings, bushings, and belts. Return