Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Nano Composites for Control System Bladders

Principal Investigator:

Dr. S. S. Bhagawan and Mrs. Meera B Sasikumar

Advisory Board

Last Review

Campus

Coimbatore

School

ASE

Department

Polymer Engineering

Duration

2006-2008

Executive Summary

This proposal aims to develop elastomer-based polymer nanocomposites [PNC] for use as engine gimbal control system bladders in a launch vehicle. It relates to  nitrile rubber [NBR] based control bladders which are currently based on microcomposites.   PNCs have properties that are superior to conventional microscale composites. (eg increase in modulus by a factor of three, reduction in permeability by two orders of magnitude, etc.).  Notably, the changes are accomplished at low filler content (<5%). The approach includes selection of elastomer and study of different methods of incorporation of the nanofiller [viz. clay]. The study variables relate to polymer backbone, filler level and treatment, additives, temperature, etc. The PNCs obtained will be characterised for mechanical properties, viscoelastic properties, thermal performance, permeability, morphology and ageing. Finally, trials will be made for moulding a few bladders followed by evaluation of relevant properties.

Funding Sponsor

ISRO

Books & Publications

Patents

Presentations

Preliminary discussions held with VSSC engineers during August 2006

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