The objective set forth in this SBIR Topic is for the development of a 6500 meter man- rated syntactic with a composite density of 30 +2/-1 PCF. The topic description maintains that the current state-of-the-art man rated foam has a minimum density of 35 PCF. However, in 2009 through mid 2010 Engineered Syntactic Systems, (ESS), successfully manufactured a 34 lb/ft3 syntactic capable of meeting the specification under a WHOI purchase order. Ten cubic feet of foam was delivered and successfully tested to the MIL-S-24154A standard by WHOI. ESS intends to build on the success of this development, its current syntactic foam manufacturing experience and expertise, and described processing innovations under consideration to attain the target 30 lb/ft3 6500 meter man-rated system.
Benefit: ESS has been successfully producing similar syntactic materials and would therefore add the new 30PCF/6500M foam to its family of products, selling directly to the Navy and Oceanographic community. This would enable ESS to offer the lowest density man-rated foam available. This allows the deep diving community, including the Navy, oceangraphic researchers, ROV and AUV users, and other to go to deeper depths with larger payloads and research equipment without increasing power requirements. The Phase II portion of the work requires the immediate delivery of 100 ft3 of syntactic foam. Presently, these foam systems are sold at $2500 to $3500 per cubic foot. The Navy has also defined the need for approximately 1000 ft3 of syntactic meeting these performance requirements over the next three years. Total sales could therefore approach $1 million per year over the next three years for Navy requirements alone.
Keywords: microballoon, microballoon, Low density, Syntactic Foam, manrated, hydrostatic
