Project

Elastomer Based Nanocomposites for Control System Bladders

The  project  aims  to  develop  elastomer-based  polymer  nanocomposites [PNC]  for  use  as  engine  gimbal  control  system  bladders,  critical  components in  a  launch  vehicle.  Currently  nitrile  rubber  [NBR]  compounds  based  on microcomposites  are  being  used  for  the  purpose.  Resistance  to  crack formation  under  dynamic  conditions  and  compatibility  with  oil  and  gas permeability  are  the  important  characteristics  of  these  bladders.  PNCs  have properties  that  are  superior  to  conventional  microscale  composites  in  this respect. (eg increase in modulus by a factor of three, reduction in permeability by  two  orders  of  magnitude,  increase  in  heat  deflection  temperature  by  100 –  170oC  etc.).  

The  approach  includes  selection  of  elastomer  and  study  of different  methods  of  incorporation  of  the  nanofiller  [viz.  nanoclay].  The  study variables  relate  to  polymer  backbone,  filler  level  and  treatment,  additives, etc.  Design  of  experiments  [DoE]  approach  is  used  for  analysis  of  results. The  PNCs  obtained  are  characterised  for  mechanical  and  viscoelastic properties,  thermal  performance,  permeability,  morphology  and  ageing.   A suitable  formulation  selected  from  the  analysis  using  DoE  will  be  used  for moulding  bladders  and  evaluation  of  product  and  relevant  properties.