FireDOC Search

Author
Krasny, J. F. | Schwartz, A. M.
Title
Nomex Ultraviolet Inhibitors. Final Report. April 1970-September 1972.
Coporate
Gillette Company Research Inst., Rockville, MD
Sponsor
Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Report
ASD-TR-72-104
December 1972
30 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Contract
F33657-70-C-0858
Keywords
nomex fabrics | ultraviolet inhibitors | parachutes | degradation
Identifiers
harness webbing; parachute pack cover fabric; actinic degradation
Abstract
Investigation has been made of several systems intended to improve the resistance of Nomex fabric and webbing to actinic degradation. All of these consisted in applying to the Nomex a material that absorbs actinic radiation in the range 360 - 390 nm, which is known to be the wavelength involved in the photochemical degradation. Several materials are available that meet this primary requirement, but relatively few meet the added requirements of stability, safety in application and use, and lack of undersirable effects on the fabric. A major problem proved to be the durable and satisfactory bonding of the protective material to the Nomex. Best results were obtained by applying a pigment that was opaque to the harmful radiation (carbon-black) in a lacquer type polymeric "tie-coat" or binder. A vinyl resin was used as the major ingredient of the tie-coat. As a stipulated part of this investigation a complete survey was made of the technical literature relating to actinic degradation of polyamides. This is included as an appendix.