E. Andrew
Materials Sciences, Alabama, United States
Keywords: Composite Patch, Underwater Repair, Cure
This material and process guide enables an innovative diver applied underwater repair, initially targeted at sustainment of aluminum structures. The composite patch system will be useful for a wide range of applications that require structural integrity restoration in a submerged environment. When initially mixed, the resin will have a very low viscosity on the order of 500 cps for wet lamination or infusion. The first stage of the curing kinetics will cause significant thickening of the matrix to a viscosity ~100,000 cps. The material consistency at this stage is consolidated, but still flexible so as to contour to the hull. The material will stay in this pliable, high tack stage between 2 and 6 hours, to facilitate repair deployment. The system cures quickly in relevant naval temperatures and can be easily applied for enhanced system readiness. With the global market for submerged repair materials growing rapidly in response to increasing demand for off-shore wind energy, communication/power cable, and bridge structures; dual use commercialization of the material will concentrate on systems developed for the maritime and construction industries. Ultimately, the simplified application and cost reduction enabled by the material will be a welcome relief in multiple commercial industries.